US Peace Corps to Accept Gay Couples Who Want to Serve Together

The US Peace Corps said today it would begin accepting gay domestic partners and married couples who wish to serve together overseas, CBS News reports:

Married couples have been serving together in the Peace Corps since the organization was founded in 1961. About 7 percent of overseas assignments are currently filled by married volunteers who serve together.

Same-sex couples, however, will only be placed in countries where "homosexual acts are not criminalized" for safety reasons, press director Shira Kramer told CBS News.

"The Peace Corps will foster safe and productive assignments for same-sex couples and provide them with guidance for maintaining their safety and well-being. The agency will provide country-specific information to applicants once they are invited to serve, and Peace Corps staff will provide additional information and training once volunteers arrive in-country," Kramer said.

Applications will begin on June 3, and an affadavit verifying the relationship must be provided.