America's military bosses are allowing military chaplains to officiate same-sex weddings, on or off military bases, in states where they are allowed. The Pentagon has made it clear no chaplains are required to take part, rather its up to them and their beliefs. The Defense Department has also stopped short of endorsing gay marriage, because the US1996 Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the federal recognition of them. "The guidance issued today strikes the right balance between respecting the faith traditions of chaplains and affording all service members the same rights under current law." says Army veteran and executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Aubrey Sarvis. The policy comes in the wake of the removal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy which means members of the US military can now be out at work.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 1st October 2011 - 5:02pm