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Navy to Reevaluate Rules for Same-Sex Marriages

It is likely a matter of time before the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" law is repealed and the military begins its transition into accepting openly gay soldiers into its ranks. Each branch will transition differently depending on their various missions at the time. Until May 10, 2011, the Navy was operating under a guidance that would have allowed soldiers to engage in same-sex marriages on military bases.

Rear Admiral M.L. Tidd, Chief of Chaplains, however, issued a guidance reversing that position. Rear Admiral Tidd suspended his previous memorandum citing the need for further review of legal and Naval policy issues. He went on to state the need for further synchronization between multiple departments.

The final step needed to officially repeal the law is a signature from top Pentagon officials. That signature means every service branch has been trained on what will become new military procedures.

It has yet to be determined what policies other branches will or will not adopt regarding same-sex marriages. The basis for those policies may depend on the states' laws in which they're located, and if civil unions are recognized. 

Some claimed the Navy allowing same-sex marriages on base would have violated the Defense of Marriage Act, which is federal law. At this point, legal review of all applicable laws is just beginning. If such marriages are allowed, however, Naval chaplains could choose their own level of participation as it fits with the religious beliefs of their particular organization.

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