WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has decided that U.S. military chaplains may perform same-sex unions, whether on or off a military installation.
The ruling announced Friday by the Pentagon’s personnel chief follows the Sept. 20 repeal of a law that had prohibited gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
Some members of Congress have objected to military chaplains performing same-sex unions, saying it would violate the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.
The Pentagon says a military chaplains may officiate at private ceremonies but is not required to if it would conflict with their personal or religious beliefs.
The Pentagon also says Defense Department property may be used for private functions, including religious and other ceremonies such as same-sex unions, as long as it is not prohibited by state or local laws.
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