Navy Says Chaplains Can Marry Same-Sex Couples

In a move that I'm sure will have the Neanderthals and swamp dwellers hyperventilating, the U. S. Navy has taken the position that chaplains can marry same sex couples on Navy bases located in states where same sex marriage is legal. A copy of the policy change can be found here. Not that the decision will have any effect whatsoever at bases here in Virginia where pet ownership is given higher legal recognition than the life long relationships of LGBT Virginians. The world and U. S. society are changing and increasingly recognizing religious based bigotry and hypocrisy for what they are. Despite the efforts of their political whores in Congress such as Congressman Hunter, the Christofascists need to face the fact that their positions of ignorance by choice and unvarnished bigotry against those deemed "other" is slowly but steadily losing out in the war of public opinion. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot on the new Navy position on same sex marriages:
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Navy chaplains will be trained about their ability to perform same-sex civil marriage ceremonies under new guidance that would take effect if the Defense Department moves to recognize openly gay military service.
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Navy officials said Monday that they updated the training after questions came up about civil ceremonies for gay couples. Military training to apply the new law allowing gays to serve openly began earlier this year, and is expected to be complete by mid-summer.
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Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said Monday that the federal Defense of Marriage Act does not restrict the types of ceremonies a chaplain may perform in a chapel on a military base. The military would not compel chaplains to perform a same-sex marriage if it is against their religious beliefs.
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The Navy ceremonies would be allowed at military facilities such as chapel and catering centers, but only in states that already recognize same-sex unions.
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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.