AMPA Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel

WASHINGTON - November 24, 2014 – Today, the American Military Partner Association, the nation's largest organization for the partners, spouses, and families of America's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members and veterans, issued the following statement in response to the news that Chuck Hagel will be resigning as Secretary of Defense.

"While there is certainly still a tremendous amount of work to be done for full LGBT equality in the military, Secretary Hagel's leadership has made a profound impact on the lives of the families of our nation's LGBT service members," said AMPA President Ashley Broadway. "From the swift recognition of same-sex military spouses after the fall of DOMA, to helping to put a spotlight on the importance of inclusion by speaking at the Pentagon's LGBT Pride Month Observance, Secretary Hagel has been an important ally and transformational leader on issues of equality with the Department of Defense. We thank him for his service and look forward to continuing the journey forward with his successor towards full equality."

The journey towards full LGBT equality in the Defense Department is far from complete. The Defense Department has not yet updated significantly outdated policies impacting LGBT service members and their families. In addition to the lack of inclusion of sexual orientation in the non-discrimination policy and equal opportunity program, it continues to enforce outdated and obsolete regulations prohibiting open and honest service by transgender people. There are an estimated 15,500 transgender service members currently serving in silence.

For more information about the American Military Partner Association and LGBT military spouses and their families, please visit our home on the web at www.MilitaryPartners.org.

The American Military Partner Association is the nation's largest organization for the partners, spouses, and families of America's LGBT service members and veterans. With over 30,000 members and supporters, AMPA is committed to education, advocacy, and support for our "modern military families."