GOP Senators introduce bill to stop same-sex ceremonies on military bases

Two GOP U.S. Senators on Tuesday introduced legislation that would prohibit same-sex unions from being held on military bases.

Here's the long and short of it:

Specifically, the bill would prohibit marriage or marriage-like ceremonies at military facilities that are not a union between one man and one woman.

“The Defense of Marriage Act remains law, and as policy changes are implemented by the Department of Defense, the statute must be followed,” Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss) said. “This legislation also protects the freedom of conscience of chaplains who are serving our nation in the Armed Forces."  The bill was also co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)

Last year, the Department of Defense authorized military chaplains to perform same-sex marriages in accordance with state law.

The authorization allows military chaplains to participate in ceremonies on or off military bases in states that recognize same-sex marriage.

The Department of Justice stopped defending DOMA in federal court actions after both President Obama and U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder last spring found the law to be unconstitutional.

Via LGBTQ Nation