Dear Mr. Salts: Thank you for contacting me regarding religious freedom in the military. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter. I share your concern and belief that military chaplains—and all service members—should be permitted to practice as their faith prescribes. As a strong supporter of personal freedoms, I believe the government must not restrict the free exercise of religion, and I support congressional action protecting religious freedom. During the 112th Congress, I was proud to support provisions relating to the protection of rights of conscience of our nation’s service members that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (P.L. 112-239), as signed into law on January 2, 2013. Specifically, P.L. 112-239 prohibits DoD from using religious beliefs as a basis to discriminate or deny promotions to service members, and preserves the right of military chaplains to choose whether to perform marriage ceremonies that violate their religious beliefs. It also requires DoD to issue regulations implementing the protections afforded by these provisions. In light of recent reports that service members’ religious freedom is being threatened, I was proud to join with several of my colleagues in writing to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. This letter called on Secretary Hagel to provide an update on DoD’s implementation of the regulations required by P.L. 112-239, and expressed support for protecting the religious freedom of both military chaplains and all service members. Furthermore, I am pleased that Secretary of the Army John McHugh responded forcefully and appropriately to recent reports regarding training briefings, including one at Fort Hood, which labeled both Christian and conservative political organizations as extremist organizations and a threat to our nation. In response to these incidents, Secretary McHugh ordered Army leaders to halt all briefings and presentations on extremist organizations, calling such statements “inaccurate, objectionable, and otherwise inconsistent with current Army policy.” I recognize that our military, like our nation, is comprised of people representing all faiths. However, that fact does not preclude service members from practicing as their faith prescribes. You may be certain that I will continue to advocate for policies and legislation that strengthen our national defense and support our military personnel, their families, and all who faithfully serve our nation. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texas in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Sincerely, JOHN CORNYN United States Senator 517 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-2934 Fax: (202) 228-2856
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 23:45:47 +0000
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