Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), today applauded the Senate and House for passing an amendment he introduced to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.  All that remains before the legislation becomes law is the President’s signature.

The Wicker amendment would prevent military chaplains from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies if the chaplain objects for reasons of conscience.  Wicker is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
 
“Chaplains should not be forced to violate their beliefs in order to serve their country,” Wicker said.  “I am glad that the Senate and House kept my amendment in the final bill.  This is an important step to protect military chaplains as the Department of Defense implements policy changes.”

In September, the Department of Defense authorized military chaplains to perform same-sex marriages in accordance with state law.  The Wicker amendment allows military chaplains to opt out of same-sex marriage ceremonies. 

A copy of the Wicker amendment is available here: http://tinyurl.com/wickerchaplainamend

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