An amendment to the Defense Authorization Act (HR 5136) would allow military chaplains to offer sectarian prayer at non-religious events. Proposed by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), the change would add this language if passed:
If called upon to lead a prayer outside of a religious service, a chaplain will have the prerogative to close the prayer according to the dictates of the chaplain's own conscience.
Military policy has been for chaplains to offer only nonsectarian prayer at mandatory events, to be respectful of the many faith traditions represented in the armed services, and to avoid the appearance of official endorsement of a particular religion.
[UPDATE: Americans United reports the good news that the Bachmann amendment is going nowhere:
AU Legislative Director Aaron Schuham learned of the scheme on Wednesday while scanning the defense bill’s hundreds of amendments to check for potential church-state problems. He and AU’s legislative team quickly swung into action, notifying our allies and organizing a lobbying effort aimed at U.S. House leaders.
The effort paid off. The House floor schedule announced today does not include the proposed Bachmann amendment. Apparently it has been ruled out of order.]
