Navy Encounters Opposition After Announcing Plan to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Posted by Brittany in 
Although the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed back in December 2010, repeal has not been fully implemented, and many unanswered questions still persist for the fate of LGBT servicemembers. One of these unknowns is whether or not the military branches will allow same-sex couples to marry.
The pushback is based around the specious argument that the Navy’s rule would violate the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), another openly discriminatory piece of legislation that does not allow the federal government or entities to recognize same-sex marriages. DOMA indeed does restrict the Department of Defense’s ability to recognize same-sex marriages, as the DOD is a federal agency. However, nothing in DOMA restricts military chaplains from performing ceremonies, even on military bases which are federal property. The Republican opposition, then, represents a subterfuge to rollback any gains LGBT servicemembers have made and will make because of DADT repeal.
SWAN supports the Navy’s rule and praises its author and advocate, Real Admiral Mark Tidd. At the same time, the uproar from congressional Republicans is a stark reminder how far LGBT servicemembers are from equality, and that DADT repeal represents only a milestone in what will be a long fight towards the right to serve openly without the constant threat of discrimination, harassment, and denial of basic rights and benefits.
Navy Plan to Allow Same-sex Marriage on Bases Draws Opposition – CNN
