Texas Guard Refuses to Process Same-Sex Benefits

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Texas National Guard is refusing to process requests from same-sex couples for benefits, and Mississippi won’t issue applications from state-owned offices, because of the states’ gay-marriage bans.

Tuesday is the first working day that gays in the military may apply for benefits after the Pentagon announced it would recognize same-sex marriages.

In Texas, gay and lesbian couples are being told to go to federal military bases to get ID cards and apply for health coverage. Mississippi officials say same-sex couples can apply on federally owned National Guard bases, but not on state property.

Both states cited their bans on gay marriage. But numerous other states that also ban gay marriage are following the Pentagon’s directive.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry says the National Guard must follow the state’s constitutional ban.

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