Chuck Hagel scolds states for not recognizing military benefits for same-sex marriages

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/31/chuck-hagel-scolds-states-for-not-recognizing-military-benefits-for-same-sex-marriages/



Chuck Hagel scolds states for not recognizing military benefits for same-sex marriages
By Agence France-Presse
Thursday, October 31, 2013 21:35 EDT

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel rebuked several U.S. states for failing to grant full spousal benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian members of the armed forces.

Hagel said nine states had failed to recognize the rights of same-sex partners of military personnel based at National Guard installations.

The Pentagon chief said the situation had arisen despite federal recognition of the rights of gay couples.

~snip~

He added that “not only does this violate the states’ obligations under federal law, their actions have created hardship and inequality by forcing couples to travel long distances to federal military bases to obtain the ID cards they’re entitled to.”

[brucefan]

1. Rachel covered this last night.

She compared it to Gov. Wallace and school segregration.This could get interesting.

[MNBrewer]

2. It's a very good comparison

It's basically a "state's rights" temper tantrum. Too bad the idea that it's a state's rights issue is firmly entrenched among some Democratic Party leadership.

[dbackjon]

3. No doubt. Very sad

When some of the leading voices against gay marriage in Illinois are Democrats, it makes me sick.

[dbackjon]

4. Take them over. And throw their asses in jail for treason.