Included within the state’s new price range is a provision making homosexual and transgendered service members who have been dishonorably discharged resulting from their then-taboo existence eligible for state veteran’s advantages.
Signed into legislation by Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday, the fiscal 2024 price range consists of language from a invoice provided by Westfield’s Sen. John Velis and Framingham Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis referred to as “An Act promoting equality in veterans’ bonus eligibility” which seeks to make up for a coverage the Department of Defense did away with in 2011.
“For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned. That their service, and their sacrifice is not worth the same. All because of who they are and who they love,” Velis stated in an announcement. “The years of trauma, abuse and harassment caused by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell cannot be undone. But we must do everything in our power to ensure that LGBTQ Veterans across the Commonwealth have the same access to benefits and services that other Veterans have.”
The U.S. Military, from 1994 till 2011, operated below a coverage of “don’t ask, don’t tell” which prohibited the providers from discriminating in opposition to somebody who was secretly homosexual or transgendered whereas barring service for many who have been open or outed. The coverage, which resulted within the discharge of greater than 14,000 servicemembers, was reversed below President Barack Obama
Veterans who have been dishonorably discharged from service resulting from their sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, or HIV standing, will now be eligible for bonuses from the Veterans’ Bonus Division within the Office of the Treasurer.
“This measure confronts discrimination and ensures that the service and sacrifice of all our veterans is rightfully recognized,” State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg stated. “This is an important step toward achieving equity and fairness by making sure that service members receive the bonuses and benefits they deserve.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”