Gay Army couple says chaplain barred them from marriage retreat

What a shame. It's a shame for those Soldiers, it's a shame for the Strong Bonds event, and it's a shame for the Chaplain Corps.

Frankly i cant say much about the article other than it is one-sided. Its hard to have a valid point when you victimize the world. But, frankly, our society not as a whole mind you has turned a blind eye to real freedom when they fear defending their own convictions. I am personally christian non denomination so therefore i believe two aspects on this subject: 1) homosexulality of any nature is wrong (and just plain gross; sorry) and 2) people in this world regardless of what they do and believe deserve "respect" (Dont matter if you're gay or straight or whatever). Heaven and Hell aside, enforcing change or a double standard for that matter is also wrong. Change comes with time and usually should be benefitial to both parties. I also believe that if you do make a choice in life then you should stick by it and accept whatever positive or negative effects that come with it; not force an entire society to accept it. That's not how society works. There are acceptable and inacceptable norms in any society, but what pur society is losing sight of is the word "tollerance", which is not the same as what we're panning off today, which would be "acceptance". You dont need to accept things you dont like in society, merely tolerate them. And if someone supports their faith in our society, they should be tolerated as much as a person for their choice in sexual lifestyle. But no one needs to be coddled or "supported" we're all adult men and women and there are laws in place to protect us and are also capable of fighting our own fights as well. The struggle isnt REAL people its all in what we tell ourselves.

I don't know what saddens me more, the article itself or some comments under this discussion...

Everyone in the military swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court found the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional on the basis of the 14th Amendment. This means the Federal government, to include the military, must recognize same-sex marriages. Because a chaplain is also a member of the military, a chaplain must recognize same-sex marriages on the basis of the 14th Amendment. However, if a religious organization or church denomination does not support the Supreme Court's decision, the religious organization or church denomination can recall their military chaplains from the Armed Services. While we may not agree with the Federal government policies, we all took the same oath and we have a duty to support and defend the Constitution.

While I have the personal belief "to each his own". I do not believe a chaplain should be force to accept something his/her religion believes is wrong as acceptable. They should not be forced to help strengthen a relationship/marriage they believe to be a sin. I was not aware that the military recognized the marriage of a gay couple as legal. I know that by state laws it is legal. Are these couples getting spousal benefits, housing, medical? I guess that's my question. Does the military even considerer them married? I'm not asking if the military should or should not consider it a legal marriage. Just a do or don't they.

I won't support it or go against it, that is between them and God.

When you wear the Uniform  you represent the USA and should be bound by those standards but as a Chaplain they are bound by their Faith and they have to stay true to those standards and yes there is a chance of conflict of interest. I can see something like this going to court for Judicial Review. If it was under the umbrella of the Military legally and morally they should not have been excluded.

Even though I disagree with the lifestyle.
Concerning this article then the Army should have found a chaplain that agrees with this couple.
Army sponsored=Army responsible
But the chaplain should not be asked to betray his beliefs for anything.
No a slight change: because of this whole issue I 100% believe that PDA should be enforced to the letter.

Whether anyone likes it or not, the Army recognizes marriages between gay couples as much as it recognizes marriages between a man and a woman.  Barring a same-sex couple from a marriage retreat is a form of discrimination and should not have happened.  I understand that it might have gone against the Chaplain's faith and personal beliefs, but he/she still needs to treat all Soldiers fairly.  To me, barring the couple from the retreat on religious grounds would be no different than a Christian chaplain barring a Muslim couple, Jewish couple, etc.

They should be allowed to attend just like any other couple. They are allowed to serve in the military. Therefor if they give a retreat paid for by the Army then they are welcome. If that Chaplain did indeed bar them from going he is in the wrong by military regulation for discrimination. And he should find his way out of the Army. Period. Its no different then him saying someone can't go cause they are black, white, Jewish, Muslim. If a PLT SGT/PLT LDR/1SG/CO told them they couldn't enjoy the 4 day weekend case they was a "GAY" then they would find them selves on the bad side of UMCJ a 15-6 Investigation etc. They have the same right as me or any other straight couple should.