U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) is asking Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to launch an investigation into allegations that the director of the Houston National Cemetery is barring volunteers from using religious language at burial services. In a letter sent yesterday, she writes:
I am… greatly concerned by the complaints my office has received from veterans and their families that the Houston National Cemetery Director has forbidden the name of God or Jesus to be used during funeral services at the cemetery, even if the family wishes to do so….
I am requesting that you look into this situation to determine if there are indeed any religious prohibitions or restrictions on speech or religious expression at the Houston National Cemetery. I would also ask that you determine if this situation is unique to the Houston Cemetery or if there are policies in place that might lead to religious prohibitions or restricted speech at other veteran cemeteries.
AP reports that in response to the controversy, officials assure that no such prohibition is in place.
VA spokesman Josh Taylor says families decide whether a religious service occurs and what type. He says "the name of God or Jesus is not only allowed at burial services, it is common and freely spoken."
