SB 5255 codifies federal conscience protections for military chaplains, shielding them from being compelled to act against their sincerely held religious beliefs.
SB 5255 codifies in federal law that military chaplains must be able to perform their duties consistent with their sincerely held religious beliefs and the tenets of their endorsing religious organization, and it bars any service member from compelling a chaplain to act contrary to those convictions. The bill also elevates the Chief of Chaplains to a principal advisor role within each service branch and enforces these protections through the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The American Council supports SB 5255 because our men and women in uniform deserve chaplains who can minister to them from the fullness of their faith tradition, without fear of career retaliation for declining to act against their conscience. Grounding these protections in the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act affirms that the military's duty to provide for the free exercise of religion is not a discretionary courtesy but a binding legal obligation.
SB 5255 has been read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. We will monitor the bill as it moves toward a committee vote.
Legislation is moving quickly. Your representatives need to hear from you today. We've prepared a letter—send it in seconds.
