September 4, 2013
Wis. National Guard Processing Same-Sex Request
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
The Wisconsin National Guard has received its first request from a same-sex couple seeking benefits.
Tuesday is the first working day that gays in the military may apply for benefits.
Maj. Paul Rickert of the Wisconsin National Guard says one request has come in, and the Guard is processing it in full compliance with the Pentagon's new rules.
That's in contrast to what's happening in Texas. The National Guard there is refusing to process such requests. The commanding general of Texas Military Forces sent a letter saying the Texas Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Wisconsin banned gay marriage in a constitutional amendment passed in 2006 but the state has a domestic partner registry that grants a host of legal rights to same-sex couples.
