WASHINGTON – The nation’s leading LGBT groups today praised the Pentagon’s decision to allow military chaplains to perform wedding ceremonies where they are legal and if such ceremonies are consistent with their religious traditions.

The Department of Defense today clarified this policy just days after the implementation of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Supporters are calling this an important step to preserving the religious freedom of military chaplains and removing discriminatory barriers for America’s troops.

“We applaud the Department of Defense for protecting the religious freedoms of all military chaplains,” said Joe Solmonese, outgoing president of the Human Rights Campaign. “As we move into a new era of open service, today’s decision by the Department of Defense ensures that all military families, including lesbian and gay military families, have equal access to military facilities.”

The discriminatory law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which barred gay, lesbian and bisexual service members from serving openly in the military, was repealed on Sept. 20.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) also responded to guidance issued by the Department of Defense related to chaplains and facilities.

“We are pleased the Department of Defense has made it clear that a military Chaplain is allowed to perform any lawful ceremony that is consistent with his or her beliefs and is not required to perform a ceremony that is inconsistent with those beliefs,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN.

“We are also pleased that access to military facilities will be granted on a sexual-orientation-neutral basis. The guidance issued today strikes the right balance between respecting the faith traditions of chaplains and affording all service members the same rights under current law. This is another logical step in the direction of full equality for gay and lesbian service members, and we hope the Department will continue to move down that path.”

Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, said he was pleased by the news.

“Today's decision reflects the basic constitutional rights and respect for marriage that those serving our country, like all of us, deserve. Discrimination has no place in the military, or in marriage -- and of course people, gay or non-gay, should be able to celebrate their love and commitment in ceremonies without interference by the government,” Wolfson said.

“In the months ahead, Americans will see gay service-members getting married, surrounded by loved ones, and will get an even better understanding of how the freedom to marry helps families while hurting no one, increasing support for an end to marriage discrimination.”