In December, former Senator Chuck Hagel apologized for 1998 remarks he made about gay ambassador James Hormel and asserted his "commitment to LGBT military families". Today, in a statement to Buzzfeed, LGBT military group Outserve-SLDN called it "incumbent" upon Hagel during the nomination process to disclose what actions he will take to demonstrate that commitment as Secretary of Defense.
Said the group's executive director Allyson Robinson:
Senator Hagel has said he is "committed to LGBT military families," so, if nominated and confirmed, he should immediately extend, via secretarial directive, all benefits available to married same-sex military couples and families while the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is still on the books. He said he is "fully supportive of open service," so he should extend military equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies so that all qualified Americans who wish to serve this nation in uniform may do so without fear of harassment or discrimination.