Another Bill Reintroduced To Protect Antigay Service Members

Rep. Tim Huelskamp

A bill was introduced to the Republican-majority House of Representatives that would grant protections for members of the military who express their antigay views. It would also prohibit same-sex couples from having wedding ceremonies at military facilities.

Kansas Republican Tim Huelskamp introduced the Military Religious Freedom Protection Act on Thursday, according to the Washington Blade. Under this proposed policy, service members and military chaplains would not be disciplined for expressing antigay religious beliefs or thoughts on human sexuality. That includes allowing chaplains to decide whether they are comfortable with performing marriage ceremonies. His bill would also bar gay and lesbian couples from marrying on military bases or other facilities.

Huelskamp introduced the bill last year as well. According to the Blade, Huelskamp has spoken out against LGBT workers' rights, and said that most Americans are against the "radical" idea of employers adding workplace protections for LGBT employees.