NEWS FLASH

Steve King Introduces (Another) Marriage Inequality Amendment To Defense Bill | Once again, a Republican is trying to use the Defense Appropriations Bill to stigmatize gay members of the military. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) introduced an amendment today that would interpret the Defense of Marriage Act prohibit the use of military facilities or payment of military chaplains for same-sex marriage ceremonies. DOMA already prevents couples from being recognized or accessing benefits on bases, so the amendment is clearly an overreach meant to further ostracize gay and lesbian servicemembers. It’s also an obvious infringement on the religious freedom of chaplains who recognize same-sex marriages. Last year, the anti-gay amendments were eventually dropped from the Defense bill in conference; hopefully this year’s meet the same fate.