LEESVILLE, La. – Same sex marriages are unconstitutional in Louisiana, but Fort Polk is calling this a same sex union. We now know that it was two women who were joined in the union performed by chaplain on post. Nolan Crane reports.
Leesville is a military community where local businesses show their patriotism and join together to show support for our troops. But there is now some division around town about the same sex religious union that took place at Fort Polk.
"I believe it's wrong, I'm a firm believer in the bible and the bible actually states specifically that same sex marriage is actually an abomination for a man and a man or a women and a woman, it's actual abomination," says James Collins.
James Collins has lived in Leesville for more than twenty years and he thinks the same sex couple broke the law since Louisiana defines marriage, as a union between a man and a woman.
"This is an actual law of the state and for them to break the law of the state that's showing total disrespect, and if the military allows it what is that showing our kids that there trying to bring up to joining the military, asks James Collins?
But Fort Polk says it wasn't a marriage ceremony that took place on post, but rather a religious union which is allowed. They say that kind of ceremony falls under military policy. And some around town say, it falls under their approval.
"I think it's pretty good, I'm happy for the people, I'm glad they get to be together with who they love," says Brooke Rathel.
"I think its okay because everybody has the right to there own self, what they do is their business," says Tiffany Martin.
But even though the word union has been established by Fort Polk officials, some still say no matter what you call it, it doesn't make it right.
"Our kids are looking at the military as joining so they are telling our kids its okay to have same sex marriages, that's wrong," says Terrence Hartwell.
"Personally I'm not for it; I'm not for same sex marriage. People have the right to do what they want to do behind close doors but I don't think that's the right place for it in the military," says Billy Parker.
"The military is awesome, I don't care if your married to a man to a man or a women to a women it's not going to change any bodies feelings, there still supporting our country," says Tiffany Martin.
A town that is united in its support of its military, now finds itself, divided, over a union.
The identity of the civil union couple has not been released, but again, we're told it was a lesbian couple. We did reach out and try to contact the chaplain who performed the ceremony, but were unable to reach that chaplain. We are still waiting on an official statement from Fort Polk. We'll bring that to you, when we get it.
