Tracey Cooper-Harris served her country for 12 years in the U.S. Army. She received more than two dozen medals and commendations, and was honorably discharged in 2003. In 2010, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied Cooper-Harris’ request for benefits for her wife, even though their same-sex marriage was recognized by California.
The SPLC filed suit on behalf of the couple, charging that the VA discriminated against them by denying these benefits while granting them to spouses in heterosexual marriages.