US Navy Defeated by Christianist Bigots

One of the mightiest fighting forces in the history of the world was brought to its knees Tuesday by Christianist bigots led by Tony Perkins, head of the hate group, The Family Research Council.

The US Navy announced this week that it would allow chaplains to perform same-sex weddings on bases in states where they are legal. After outcries from from right wing extremists, top Navy brass turned tail and headed for safer waters. The Advocate reports:

Navy officials have suspended recent guidance that would have allowed chaplains to perform weddings for same-sex couples at on-base facilities.

In an April 13 memo on “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal training, Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, Chief of Navy Chaplains, clarified that base facilities are “sexual orientation neutral,” and that chaplains may perform marriages for gay couples “if it is conducted in accordance with the laws of a state which permits same-sex marriage[.]” Chaplains could elect to officiate should a ceremony be “consistent with the tenets of his or her religious organization.”

But Tidd reversed course late Tuesday, writing that his guidance is suspended pending “additional legal and policy review and inter-Departmental coordination.”

Tidd’s about-face comes after outcry in recent days from a group of Republican lawmakers who want to bar same-sex weddings at base facilities, as well as religious conservative groups that have long railed against any change in the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, wrote in a Tuesday blog post that Tidd’s guidance was an affront to the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits federal recognition of gay marriages.

“Now that the ban on homosexuals in the military is overturned, the White House is trying to enlist the troops in its war on DOMA. And if the administration won't uphold the law, then it shouldn't surprise anyone that the President would order the military to ignore it,” Perkins wrote.

A word of advice Admiral Tidd -- If you can't run with the big dogs, don't get off the porch! Turn in your testicles at the front desk and don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out!

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• Navy OKs Logistics for Same-Sex Weddings (abcnews.go.com)
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