The Texas National Guard is refusing to process requests for benefits submitted by same-sex couples because of the state constitution’s definition of marriage.
Pentagon officials say Texas is the only state they know of that is turning couples away. Sept. 3 was the first working day that gays in the military may apply for benefits.
Maj. Gen. John Nichols, the commanding general of Texas Military Forces, sent a letter saying that the Texas Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Nichols says that means his state agency cannot process applications for benefits from gay and lesbian couples. He recommends service members go to a federal installation to apply.
Florida, Michigan and Oklahoma also have bans on gay marriage, but their national guard units are accepting same-sex couples’ applications.
