Navy Halts Move to Allow Gay Unions by Chaplains

While the Presbyterians have embraced modernity and rejected ignorance, the U. S. Navy under pressure from the political tools of the Christofascists in Congress (Republicans, naturally) has reversed its change in policy that would have allowed Navy chaplains to perform marriages of same sex couples on bases in states where such marriages are legal under the local jurisdiction's laws. Never mind that some denominations allow such marriages under their church doctrines. Freedom of religion has come to mean freedom of religion only for Christianists - who demand special rights - and the rights of others are daily trampled upon by those who have disdain for the religious freedoms of others. Someone needs to remind these members of Congress that their oath is first to uphold the U.S. Constitution - not discriminatory laws based on one religious perspective. By their actions, these political whores have violated their oaths and ought to resign. I am SO, SO over the trashing of the religious freedom of everyone but the Christofascists. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot:
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Under pressure from more than five dozen House lawmakers, the Navy late Tuesday abruptly reversed its decision that would have allowed chaplains to perform same-sex unions if the Pentagon decides to recognize openly gay military service later this year.
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In a one-sentence memo obtained by The Associated Press, Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, said his earlier decision has been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and interdepartmental coordination."
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The Navy said its lawyers wanted to do a more thorough review of the legal decision that allowed Navy chaplains to receive training to perform civil unions on military bases, but only in states where gay marriage is legal.
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[GOP] House members wrote to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to object to the Navy's initial ruling, saying the service was violating the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act by appearing to recognize and support same-sex marriages.
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That law defines marriage as only between a man and a woman, and it also says states don't have to recognize gay marriages performed in other states where they are legal.
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"We find it unconscionable that the United States Navy, a federal entity sworn to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States, believes it is their place alone to train and direct service members to violate federal law," said the lawmakers' letter, which was signed by 63 House members. The lawmakers asked Mabus to direct the Navy to defend the Constitution, adding that individuals should not be allowed to pick and choose the laws they will follow.
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Under the Navy's initial ruling, the civil union ceremonies would be allowed at military facilities such as chapel and catering centers, but only in states that already recognize same-sex unions. And even if a marriage is performed, same-sex partners would not get any health, housing or other benefits that are provided to married couples involving a man and woman.
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Again I find myself wondering how much longer it will be before I give up on the USA and move to a nation where constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion for all citizens actually mean something. They clearly do not mean anything in the USA.