Task Force applauds Pentagon clarification on chaplains performing same-sex weddings

The Task Force applauds the Department of Defense’s decision to allow military chaplains to voluntarily perform same-sex wedding ceremonies in jurisdictions where marriage equality is legal, and to use base facilities to do so. Pentagon officials clarified this position in two separate memos sent to military services. To read the two Pentagon memos and a full story from the Washington Blade go here.

The Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s faith work director and of our Institute for Welcoming Resources, says:

I give great thanks that my colleagues in the U.S. military can now follow their consciences and celebrate the love and commitment of those for whom they serve as spiritual guides. So often, military chaplains are with service members in death and fear, tragedy and pain. It is a great gift that they can now be with service members in same-sex unions in such times of joy and celebration.