Although the Department of Defense changed its policy last summer regarding spousal benefits for same-sex military couples, the National Guard and Reserves in several states have been resistant to adopt the new system. The Texas National Guard, for instance, has refused to provide the benefits, which include military photo identification and survivor assistance, to its gay servicemembers since last September, when the DOD first enacted the rewards. Now, The Washington Post reported that the Guard is continuing to defy the Pentagon, denying its members in same-sex relationships military housing allowance.
According to the news source, the Texas Military Force – which includes the state's National Guard – is not processing the paperwork of same-sex couples needing military housing allowance at their state offices. Instead, same-sex military couples are being forced to travel to a federal office to have their paperwork processed.
"By refusing to treat same-gender military couples equally, the Texas Military Forces … is creating a hostile climate of discrimination and has sent a strong message that Department of Defense policies and direct orders by the secretary of defense will not be followed," Stephen Peters, president of the American Military Partner Association, told the news source.
Basic allowance for housing – also known as BAH – is granted to uniformed servicemembers so that they can afford shelter where they live, Military.com states. The allowance is based on the market prices for civilian homes and apartments, and also factors in renter's insurance and cost of utilities. According to the website, the allowance typically varies from region to region.