Gay couples to gain marriage benefits from government

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says the government will make federal marriage benefits available to same-sex couples following a landmark Supreme Court decision last month that legalized same-sex marriage.

She says the Justice Department will work to make sure that all federal benefits will be available equally to married couples across the country.

She says programs for veterans and the elderly and disabled will now cover same-sex marriages.

The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision last month that the U.S. Constitution provides a right to same-sex marriage.

In a statement, Lynch said the government would strive to “fulfill our commitment to equal treatment for all Americans.”