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New Pentagon waiver policy for religious observances
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (January 23, 2014) - The Pentagon has approved a new policy that will let troops seek waivers to wear religious clothing, seek prayer time or engage in religious practices.
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"These kinds of regulations have the potential to affect the good order and discipline of the American military. It is important that American soldiers work and be identified as one – not as a separate body of bearded and non-bearded [or] pierced and non-pierced mercenaries. That's why we have an American uniform with strict regulations." Sandy Rios |
"At first glance, this may seem like good news to those concerned about recent threats against Christian expressions of faith in the military. But there are red flags here that make us concerned this is likely another deceptive move to accommodate Muslims. The Department of Defense gave us a preview of this not long ago when Major Nidal Hassan, the Ft. Hood mass murderer, was allowed – against military regulations – to keep his beard while on trial to express his Muslim faith.The new police took effect Wednesday, and the waivers will be decided on a case-by-case basis, according to defense officials. Approval of the waiver will depend on where the service member is stationed and whether the change would affect military readiness or the mission.
Under the new policy, a request can only be denied if it is determined that the needs of the military mission outweigh the needs of the service member.
The new policy also states that "In so far as practicable, a Service member's expression of sincerely held beliefs (conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs) may not be used as the basis of any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment."
Until now there has been no consistent policy across the military services to allow accommodations for religion. Now, for example, Jewish troops will be able to seek a waiver to wear a yarmulke, or Sikhs can seek waivers to wear a turban and grow a beard.
Others can request specific prayer times or ask that they be allowed to carry prayer beads or other items.
If the waiver involves something that violates the service's policy governing troops' uniforms or appearance — including tattoos, beards and clothing — then the decision is made by a senior officer, most likely the three-star general in charge of personnel for each service. If it involves something else, such as prayer time, the decision can be made by a unit commander.
Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Mike Berry says the new policy is "a good first step" toward ensuring that troops enjoy the First Amendment rights they're sworn to protect
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