Please sign and share this petition worldwide to demand benefits for couples in the National Guard or spouses of those serving!
Those that serve in the National Guard are part of the United States Army and are trained and equipped to the same moral and physical standards on a part time basis usually in their home state. In Oklahoma, the Governor, Mary Fallin is no longer allowing couples in the National Guard or spouses of members serving to receive benefits, whether they are same-sex or opposite-sex couples.
Since Oklahoma does not stand behind same-sex marriage, Fallin does not believe there should be any benefits for National Guard couples, despite their sexual orientation. However, National Guard same-sex couples are entitled under the federal government to receive spousal benefits but not under the state.
After key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act were struck down by the Supreme Court, the Department of Defense instructed military facilities to begin enrolling same-sex spouses of service members in military benefits programs starting September 3, 2013. The governors of four states- Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma- all instructed their state National Guard programs to defy the order under the premise that the National Guard is under state control. As such, if the state has a law outlawing gay marriage it is the governor’s belief that state law trumps the federal directive.
After doing service for their country and their state, it is ridiculous that they are not totally entitled for benefits for themselves and their spouses, despite the sexual orientation. Tell Oklahoma Governor Fallin that all spouses of National Guards deserve to receive benefits. Please sign and share this petition worldwide to demand benefits for couples in the National Guard or spouses of those serving!
Oklahoma Governor Fallin – It is appalling that you would take away the benefits of the spouses of the National Guard. Under federal law, they are entitled to spousal benefits and you should be so proud of their service that they be totally eligible to all the same benefits, despite their sexual orientation. Who they love in their life has nothing to do with the dedicated service they provide and you need to change your rulings to give them the honor, respect and benefits they deserve.
