Same Sex Couples being refused military benefits

1.    Huddleston, Scott. (2013, September 4). Texas Guard turns away same-sex spouses. San Antonio Express News.

2.    Category of problem/issue: marriage, health/medical

3.    Level of problem: State

4.    The article concerns: Nationally, same-sex military couples have been given federal benefits. However, Texas is one of two states whose National Guard offices are refusing to process these requests, although there are some bases that are allowing same-sex couples to apply.

5.    Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?

This impacts same-sex spouses and their families in a very big way. Even though a spouse is an active member of the military, same sex partners are not given the benefits that they are entitled to. This could affect their economic status, as well as health and overall well being.

6.    What are your views on the issue/policy?

This is a really unfortunate decision on the part of Texas because they are not only making a poor decision by not implementing federal regulations, but they are also making a very big statement that this state stands for all things conservative and non-inclusive. This is really unfortunate, because close mindedness just goes on to breed more closed mindedness. Unless we as Texans speak up in what we believe is right, we will only continue to have these prejudices passed down generation to generation with no hope of changing the path of this state. It makes me very sad to be a native to a state that I disagree with so much in so many aspects of its policies.