Religious Freedom and Enforcement of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the Military (via email, feel free to share and contact your politicians with your views): Military Culture Coalition:
The Center for Military Readiness and other organizations affiliated with the Military Culture Coalition appreciate the leadership of Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS), who is sponsoring legislation, HR 3828, to define and protect marriage and rights of conscience in the military.
This two-page CMR Policy Analysis summarizes the substance of the legislation and why it is needed to protect the rights of both chaplains and people of faith in the military. It also includes a third page quoting excerpts of the Huelskamp bill, which currently has 38 co-sponsors.
HR 3828 - Military Religious Freedom Protection Act
The U. S. Constitution established the chaplaincy to protect the rights of religious expression among military personnel, even while they are deployed far from home. Chaplains are relatively few in number, but their role is critically important in maintaining morale, discipline, and rights of conscience in the military.
A minority of chaplains support LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) law and same-sex marriage in the military. They may express their views at all times, but those representing the majority of faith traditions face career penalties for speaking about sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in situations other than worship services.
In addition, the administration has attempted to redefine the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the military, despite previous promises made to the lame-duck Congress that rushed to vote for the repeal of Section 654, Title 10, the 1993 law usually called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This makes it necessary for the 112th Congress to reaffirm congressional intent with regard to same-sex marriages or “marriage-like ceremonies” on military bases.
A wide range of public policy, pro-defense, pro-family, chaplain, and religious organizations that endorse military chaplains are interested in the Huelskamp legislation. For more information or to arrange an interview, call CMR President Elaine Donnelly at 734/464-9430 or CMR Executive Director Tommy Sears at 202/347-5333.
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