A conservative legal group says the Navy violated federal law and Department of Defense regulations when it rejected a military chaplain’s request for a religious accommodation, The Blaze reports.
Lt. Cmdr. Wes Modder, who was reassigned from his position because of alleged insensitive comments including criticizing homosexuality, requested an accommodation on March 9 and could end up losing his job.
“In your case, I find that your ability to express religious beliefs during pastoral counseling has not been restricted or substantially burdened,” reads the denial letter. “Your inability to comfort and counsel in a manner that was respectful of the counselee while maintaining dignity and professionalism … led to you being relieved of your duties”
He can appeal the decision. Modder fell into trouble after complaints about him allegedly speaking against homosexuality and premarital sex.
Last month, Nuclear Power Training Command commander Capt. Jon Fahs requested that Modder be denied promotion, show why he should remain in the Navy and be “detached for cause.”
“The Navy is trying to use outdated, obsolete policies to deny a chaplain his rights,” Mike Berry, Liberty Institute senior counsel and director of military affairs said in a press release. “The Navy appears to be rebelling against the new DOD regulations and thumbing its nose at Congress and the Secretary of Defense. That is totally unacceptable.”
Thousands have come out in support of Modder, including Gov. Mike Huckabee and Franklin Graham. The case is ongoing.
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