Austin Watkins had reason to celebrate when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a key portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), marking a breakthrough in gay rights and making his husband eligible for federal benefits everywhere in the United States.
But as a civilian defense worker deployed in Japan, Watkins faces a unique barrier. It turns out that the Status of Forces Agreement signed 53 years ago by the United States and Japan does not recognize same-sex marriage. That prevents him from living with his spouse in Okinawa Prefecture.
For now, Joseph Marcey resides in Washington. He would have to apply for a tourist visa every 90 days to live in Okinawa, and he wouldn't be able to receive medical care at military clinics, shop at a commissary or obtain a dependent ID card from the U.S. Defense Department.