Navy Reverses Itself on Chaplains Performing Gay Marriages

On Tuesday I reported that the Navy was considering allowing its chaplains to perform same-sex marriages once “Dont ask, Don’t tell” ends. Apparently, no one consulted the JAG lawyers to ask if it conflicted with the Defense of Marriage Act:

The Navy confirmed Wednesday that it did an abrupt about-face on guidance allowing same-sex marriages on military bases after receiving a flood of criticism from Capitol Hill, as well as discussions with Defense Department lawyers.

The guidance — outlined in a memorandum last month from the Navy chief of chaplains, Rear Adm. M.L. Tidd — would have eased the way for same-sex marriage ceremonies once the Pentagon scraps its present “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces, is expected to be officially lifted later this year.

Tidd said Tuesday that his memo, originally issued on April 13, was suspended “until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and inter-Departmental coordination.”