• Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
July 30, 2013 News, Press Releases

Naval Academy Refuses Use of Chapel for Non-Christian Weddings

Facebook Twitter Email Share
July 30, 2013 News, Press Releases

(Updated July 30, 10:50 am)

American Humanist Association Represents Ensign Refused Humanist Wedding

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian Magee, bmagee@americanhumanist.org, 202-238-9088 ext. 105
Bill Burgess, bburgess@americanhumanist.org, 202-238-9088 ext. 102

(Washington, DC – July 30, 2013)—U.S. Naval Academy administrators have denied a request from a recent graduate to hold his planned humanist wedding in the academy’s chapel, declaring that the chapel is only to be used for Christian ceremonies.

The American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center sent a letter sent yesterday to United States Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Michael H. Miller and Senior Chaplain Commander Michael Gore asking the decision be reversed and confirm that it is not the policy of the Naval Academy “to forbid non-Christians from using the Chapel for their wedding ceremonies.”

“This discriminatory policy is unconstitutional,” the letter states. “The Naval Academy cannot deny use of its publicly owned facilities on the basis of the religious views of those wishing to do so.”

“Weddings performed by humanist celebrants are legal everywhere in the country, as are weddings performed by many other non-Christian officiants,” said Appignani Humanist Legal Center Coordinator Bill Burgess. “There is no valid reason the U.S. Naval Academy’s chapel can’t be used by all of them.”

The potential plaintiff is a member of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, a group working with the AHA’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center on this issue.

The letter, found here, asks for an immediate response.

# # #

The American Humanist Association (americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington D.C., its work is extended through more than 170 local chapters and affiliates across the United States. Special thanks to the Louis J. Appignani Foundation and The Herb Block Foundation for their support of the Appignani Humanist Legal Center.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms a responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Stargazing Skeptics, S’mores, & Dangerously Curious Kids

Jake Via

Embracing Uncertainty: The Humanist Approach to Knowledge in an Age of Information Overload

Leslie Williams

Humanists Making a Difference: Humanistic Rabbi & Celebrant Adam Chalom

TheHumanist.com Staff

Human Welfare, Scientific Skepticism, and Equality: An Interview with Andrew Copson

Scott Douglas Jacobsen

The Comics Section: Undiscriminating Hunger

The Comics Section: Undiscriminating Hunger
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2025 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency