Lesbian spouses angered by Navy’s word choice (won't use spouse/wife on certificate)

Lesbian spouses angered by Navy’s word choice


When Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class Melissa Smith retires in April, her spouse will not receive the typical certificate of appreciation bestowed during the ceremony. The Navy, citing the Defense of Marriage Act, will not put the words “spouse” or “wife” on the certificate, even though Smith and TJ Jenkins are lawfully married women.

Instead, Jenkins said, the installation’s commander wants to use the term “partner” or “loved one,” a decision that the couple takes issue with. Jenkins said the certificate should read “spouse” or “wife” because those terms best describe their relationship.

“I am not going to settle for partner because she’s my wife,” Jenkins said.

The Navy is bound not just by its own policy, but federal law, said Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Perry.

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2013/03/navy-same-sex-retirement-032213/