Pentagon Excludes LDS and Wicca from Recognized Religious Affiliations

Utah Senators John Curtis and Mike Lee criticized the Department of War for removing LDS members and approximately 180 other belief systems from its list of recognized religious affiliations. This exclusion effectively bars thousands of service members from receiving chaplain support and tax benefits under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The move has sparked immediate backlash from faith leaders and lawmakers who argue it violates constitutional protections for religious freedom.