The proposed repeal of DADT is sparking a lot of debate — especially among chaplains.
A long-awaited report on the possible repeal of the military’s ban on openly gay members says the chaplains corps has “some of the most intense and sharpest divergence of views” on the issue.
The comprehensive review, issued Tuesday (Nov. 30), concluded that “special attention” should be given to the concerns among the approximately 3,000 chaplains in the military services when and if a repeal is implemented.
The report said some chaplains condemned homosexuality as a sin and said they could not support homosexuals, while others said “we are all sinners” and chaplains should care for everyone.
Nevertheless, the report concluded that existing regulations protecting chaplains’ First Amendment rights are “adequate” for the ban’s repeal.
“Service members will not be required to change their personal views and religious beliefs,” the report said. “They must, however, continue to respect and co-exist with others who may hold different views and beliefs.”
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