The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. February 12, 2013 Pentagon Expands Benefits for Same-Sex Couples ----------------------------------------------- The Pentagon has announced an expansion of benefits offered to gay and lesbian couples. Members of the military in same-sex relationships will receive full access to base facilities and groups, as well as joint assignments. But a number of benefits will still be denied, including health-insurance coverage and on-base housing. Those restrictions are expected to remain in place until the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act is fully repealed. .