The commander of the Texas National Guard has asked the attorney general for a legal opinion about granting benefits to same-sex couples.
Major Gen. John Nichols wrote to Greg Abbott seeking guidance on how to reconcile federal regulations that grant full benefits and privileges to same-sex couples enlisted in the military and the state constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Abbott has been a vocal critic of attempts to grant gays and lesbians the right to marry. He has threatened to sue the city of San Antonio for passing an ordinance outlawing discrimination against someone based on sexual orientation.
Texas is one of three state guard units that have refused to process requests for benefits filed by same-sex spouses of national guard troops.
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