New Mass. Law
Would Benefit Gays Discharged Under DADT

Military veterans discharged under the Pentagon's ban on openly gay and lesbian service members may receive benefits through the state under a bill being considered by the Massachusetts state senate.

Carl Sciortino is sponsoring the bill, which would require the Executive Office of Veterans Affairs to provide soldiers discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" tax breaks and other benefits offered to heterosexual veterans, according to the Somerville Journal, a local newspaper. Federal benefits would not apply under this proposed legislation.

Senators Scott Brown and Thomas McGee, cochair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, are wary of the legislation, however. They cautioned that the bill may put federal funds at risk by going against strict policies. (The Advocate)