A new directive from the Department of Defense expands the rights of religious minorities, but it gives no indication the services will stop hindering the expression of Christian beliefs by some members of the U.S. military.
The new rules will allow Muslims to wear beards, Sikhs to wear turbans, Jewish service members to wear yarmulkes, all while in uniform, as long as they don’t have an “adverse effect on military readiness, mission accomplishment, unit cohesion, and good order and discipline,” Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen told WND.
The military is creating several new categories of religion-based articles and clothing that can be worn, including hairstyles, facial hair, tattoos and piercings.
Even Wiccan members and those who practice “Magick” can seek special accommodations....