State Reps Introduce Bill Restoring Benefits For LGBTQ+ Veterans

Press release from CT House Democrats Press:

Jan. 29, 2021

State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-Bethel), State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford) and State Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich) introduced legislation last week to restore state benefits for Connecticut service members discharged for no other reason than their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Estimates have found over 100,000 American veterans received less-than-honorable discharges from the service for their sexual orientation between World War II and the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." This made them ineligible for veterans’ benefits, including insurance, employment and education assistance, and the right to be buried in a military cemetery.

"The brave Americans who served this nation deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and deserve the benefits they earned," said Rep. Allie-Brennan. "Who you are or who you love shouldn’t have an impact on the care you receive. Our bill will correct an incredible injustice."

"I am eager to work collaboratively with my colleagues to bolster and restore protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors who served," said Rep. Currey. "Inclusivity brings strength to our community and armed forces and will help mend the fractures strained by the discriminatory policies of our past. This is an important opportunity and we must not let it pass."

"I look forward to the day when the law of our land recognizes that all people are equal," said Sen. Kasser. "Until then, I will continue to advocate for laws like this that mandate equal treatment and grant every individual the dignity and respect they deserve."

"Less than honorable discharges impact veterans' abilities to collect benefits, secure employment, and reintegrate into the civilian world," said Steve Kennedy, Connecticut team leader for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "This bill is an important step in recognizing the service of ALL veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, and helping them to build their lives here in Connecticut."

House Bill 5592, An Act Concerning Veterans' Benefits for Veterans Discharged other than Honorably, is being taken up by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

It should be noted that President Biden signed an executive order this week lifting a ban preventing transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. While signing the order the president noted this will allow all "qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform." President Biden's order lifts the ban put in place by his predecessor.

This press release was produced by CT House Democrats Press. The views expressed here are the author's own.