On 30 September 2011, Under Secretary of Defense Clifford L Stanley released a memo about chaplain participation in “private” ceremonies.  This short memo did not mention same-sex rites.  But he prefaced the guidance with reference to Section 654, Title 10 U. S. C. — which is the law concerning homosexual identity in the military that was repealed.  So, there should be no surprise with various news headlines that say words to the effect that “chaplains can perform gay military weddings.”

Representative Todd Akin of Missouri immediately challenged the Pentagon guidance memo as a violation of federal law.  He is referring to the Defense of Marriage Act of 21 September 1996.  The MCA National Office can’t speculate about what might come next in this substantial struggle over conflicting interests.

As an Association, our position continues to emphasize rigorous accuracy of salient fact, fairness, and justice for all concerned as this policy change unfolds. We might not be able to eliminate or convincingly dispute distortions of fact [and even context] that are often present in controversial issues.  But we certainly can pursue calm, patience, and graciousness in our own responses.   Chaplain Gary Pollitt, Executive Director.