9/30/2011 - WASHINGTON -- The Defense Department issued guidance saying decisions for use of DOD property should be made on a "sexual-orientation neutral" basis, and that military chaplains do not have to officiate at ceremonies that go against their religious tenets.
The memos -- signed by General Counsel Jeh Johnson and Clifford L. Stanley, the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness -- have been sent to the field. They are part of the revamp of policies, regulations and guidance brought on by repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy Sept. 20.
The Johnson memo says that "determinations regarding the use of DOD real property and facilities for private functions, including religious and other ceremonies, should be made on a sexual-orientation neutral basis, provided such use is not prohibited by applicable state and local laws."
The Stanley memo on military chaplains states that "a military chaplain may participate in or officiate any private ceremony, whether on or off a military installation, provided that the ceremony is not prohibited by applicable state and local law."
The Stanley memo goes on to say that chaplains are not required to officiate at ceremonies that are in variance with the tenets of their beliefs.
Both memos stress that they do not constitute an endorsement of the activities by DOD.
Comments
10/5/2011 4:05:42 PM ET I am all for performing same sex marriages on base. To each his own. But ireally hopw they continue allowing clergy to refuse to perform ceremonies if it is against their personal beliefs and religion. It would be very wrong for them to be force to leave service or perform ceremonies they beleive are agaisnt their religion.
Brian, Seattle
10/5/2011 10:54:20 AM ET @TJN DADT is about letting homosexuals serve openly. The Respect for Marriage Act is about forcing the federal government to acknowledge all state marriages and allow State votes on the issue to matter. This is a good approach to a civil rights issue. @Caveman They are not an issue. DOMA doesn't prevent military chaplains from conducting marriages on military property.
Analyst, Barksdale
10/4/2011 5:06:33 PM ET What about Federal law and the Defense of Marriage Act Why are only state and local law applicable
Caveman, Bedrock
10/1/2011 9:22:19 AM ET DADT repeal is all about repealing DOMA and forcing States to recognize same sex marriage instead of allowing the States to vote on this issue.This is a flawed approach to a non-civil right issue.
