In August, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued the order that same-sex spouses of military personnel be given full spousal benefits. State compliance, however, has been inconsistent.

The New York Times reports that “as of mid-November, National Guard units in eight states —Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and West Virginia — were refusing to process applications for benefits at Guard facilities.”

Although the situation has improved, “Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia [are] in outright rebellion. But that’s still three defiant states too many.

“If the resistance persists much longer, [Secretary Hagel] will need to respond with concrete actions, including transferring federal funding, equipment and work assignments to National Guard bases in states more respectful of civil rights.”

Crossposted from Wonk Wire.