Okla. Gov. Fallin Tells Guard to Deny Same-sex Benefits

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has ordered the National Guard to stop processing requests for military benefits for same-sex couples.

Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the governor was following the wish of Oklahoma voters, who approved a constitutional amendment that prohibits giving benefits of marriage to gay couples.

Because of that prohibition, Weintz says the governor's legal staff advised the Oklahoma National Guard not to process requests for benefits from gay couples.

Weintz says same-sex couples that have been legally married in other states still can apply for those benefits at a federal facility, such as Tinker Air Force Base, rather than a state-operated facility.