"I fully support the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 and value the service of all those who fight for our country. I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members."

"Senator Hagel's commitment is a turning point for our gay and lesbian military families. His promise to grant these service members the family benefits they have earned demonstrates his deepening grasp of the injustice currently being done to them," said Robinson.

OutServe-SLDN has been calling on the Pentagon for nearly two years to take action on benefits that may be provided to gay and lesbian military families, even as the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) remains on the books. An August 2011 letter to Secretary Leon Panetta provides a comprehensive list of these benefits.

Robinson also cautioned today that in order for Hagel to follow through on his commitment, he will need to overcome the reported intransigence on these issues of his service chiefs, who according to Pentagon insiders have opposed this action.

"The best way for Senator Hagel to deal with that kind of foot-dragging in the Department of Defense is to take another step: the amendment of the military's nondiscrimination and equal opportunity policies to cover our community. These documents help establish the command climate for the entire force, and for Senator Hagel to expand them in this way would send a very clear message that the days of treating LGBT service members as second class citizens will be coming to an end under his leadership," said Robinson.