Navy changes course on marriage instruction
They’re getting mixed messages. Which reflects the mixed signals when the federal government declares a federal law indefensible, though it remains an enforceable law. What?
Back in February, the Justice Department was ordered to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act, when President Obama found it no longer defensible.
Earlier this week, the Navy began preparing chaplains to conduct same-sex marriages.
That didn’t last long. A day later, that branch of the military changed course.
This is about political correctness, but more.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)–which governs not just the military, but every federal entity–states that marriage is the legal union of a man and woman. Now that the ban on homosexuals in the military is overturned, the White House is trying to enlist the troops in its war on DOMA. And if the administration won’t uphold the law, then it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the President would order the military to ignore it.
When the Navy’s letter surfaced on the Hill, Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) fired off a formal inquiry, asking officers to explain the sudden change. The Navy not only defended its position–but expanded it. As if opening up the base facilities to gay “marriage” wasn’t illegal enough, the corps now insists that chaplains who refuse to marry homosexuals have to find someone who would. “If the chaplain declines to personally perform the service, then the chaplain MUST facilitate the request per SECNAVINST 1730.7D.” That’s a big leap from simply allowing the ceremonies to take place. As much as the weddings violate DOMA, the referral order is a direct assault on the freedom of conscience.
And, for the time being, that continues to be protected by existing laws.
There are many confused people involved in these stories. Let’s keep looking for clarity.
