Earlier this month, Oklahoma Republican — of course — Governor Mary Fallin announced that
state-owned National Guard facilities will no longer allow any married couples to apply for spousal benefits, regardless of
whether they are same-sex or opposite-sex.
Yes, even though the Supreme Court dumped DOMA, meaning that
servicemembers with same-sex spouses are now eligible for federal benefit, Mary
Fallin, asshat extraordinaire, changed
her own rules to circumvent the law. See, if the law says you have to give same-sex
couples spousal benefits and, well, that’s the law, Mary decided that no one
gets spousal benefits, gay or straight.
“Oklahoma law is clear. The state of Oklahoma does not recognize same-sex marriages, nor does it confer marriage benefits to same-sex couples. The decision reached today allows the National Guard to obey Oklahoma law without violating federal rules or policies. It protects the integrity of our state constitution and sends a message to the federal government that they cannot simply ignore our laws or the will of the people.” — Mary Fallin
She thinks she’s
so smart, but then most bigots and homophobes do; she’s probably sitting in her
office cackling like a hen at her switcheroo, punishing all married couples so
she doesn’t have to recognize the same-sex couples.
Punish everyone because you don’t like someone? Eh, Mary?
Fallin and
Oklahomophbia are not alone; the Texas Military Force says it will not allow
same-sex couples to apply for a housing allowance at state-run National Guard
facilities; Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia have also refused to comply, while
other states that previously had balked have begun complying, like West
Virginia.
But let’s get back to Oklahomophobia and Homophobe-in-Chief Mary
Fallin. She thinks she’s pulled a fast one on the US Guv’mint, but has she?
Her decision is a direct contradiction to an order by
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, which syas states must provide same-sex couples
with the federal benefits they deserve
under the law. But because Mary thinks she pulled a fast one, all married
couples, opposite- and same-sex will have to travel to one of the five federal
facilities in Oklahoma to apply for benefits.
Incidentally, Mary thinks it’s the state’s National Guard,
but point of fact, the state’s facilities were built almost entirely with
federal funds and 90% of the Oklahoma Military Department — including the
National Guard — is funded by the federal government.
So, Mary Fallin, in an effort to deny same-sex couples with
the rights that they are legally entitled to under the federal government, is breaking
the law and deserves to be punished for it.
I mean, how is that a way to govern? Punishing everyone because you don't like the fact that DOMA is dead?
Ass.Hat.
All right - it's time to invade Oklahoma...
ReplyDeleteI also get the impression that she's trying to sway people, particularly those being denied rights by making them think it's all the gay's fault, not hers.
ReplyDelete@BloggerJoe
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that but now that you've said it ... I can see it that way.
hope the federal guvmint sues OK and every other state that thinks they can circumvent federal laws!
ReplyDeleteWhen Texas secedes, let Oklahoma tag along.
ReplyDeleteHow about pulling National Guard from Oklahoma? If Ok, wont follow federal laws, why keep a force posted there?
ReplyDeleteBiki's right. But why stop there. If Governor Fallin doesn't want to follow Federal laws then her state shouldn't get any federal funding.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I think she should be arrested and I won't be surprised if Hagel brings charges.
Ironically, Mary Fallin, like so many other "champions of traditional marriage", is divorced and unable to sustain a marriage of her own.
Great post.