September 2013 Group Watch: Governor Says No to Same-Sex Benefits for National Guard
Alabama’s governor clarified the state’s position on extending federal benefits to same-sex couples in the Alabama National Guard. The governor says that when the National Guard is under his command, they are subject to state law, which does not recognize same-sex unions. He pointed out when they are federalized, they are subject to federal law and regulation. After the United States Supreme Court struck down the Federal Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional, the Department of Defense took steps to make all federal benefits extend to same-sex couples who obtained their marriage licenses in a state where the practice is legal. Those benefits include health insurance, survivors’ payments and housing.
