Rep. Mike Reynolds’ measure that would apply the standards behind the repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to the Oklahoma National Guard is drawing opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union.

HB 2195 would ban from service anyone ineligible to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces under 10 U.S.C., Section 654, and accompanying U.S. Department of Defense regulations, as effective on Jan. 1, 2009. Section 654 was the policy regarding gays in the military, which was in effect from 1993 until its repeal last year.

Reynolds said the state has the authority to set standards for the National Guard and need not follow national military policy.

Ryan Kiesel, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, said a similar measure proposed in Virginia last session died in subcommittee. He said that state’s attorney general said told officials if the proposal passed, Virginia could lose federal funding for its National Guard.

“For Rep. Reynolds to offer this prejudicial legislation that would refuse the service of honorable soldiers stands in stark contrast to Oklahoma’s commitment to military service at home and abroad,” Kiesel said.