Contact: J.P. Duffy or Darin Miller, 866-FRC-NEWS; both with Family Research Council

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is released by the Family Research Council:

WHAT: News conference to discuss amendments to the Defense Authorization Act that will protect religious freedom in the military while reinforcing federal law that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Speakers will also encourage support for an amendment to strengthen the voice of military service chiefs as the historic prohibition of homosexuality in the Armed Forces is repealed.

In December, the lame-duck Democratic Congress voted to repeal the military's ban on homosexuality in the military, commonly referred to as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Amendments offered by U.S. Reps. Todd Akin (R-MO) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) would ensure that the military adheres to the Defense of Marriage Act. An amendment by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) would require all four military service chiefs to certify that implementation of the repeal of the ban on homosexuals in the Armed Forces would not adversely affect combat readiness and effectiveness.

WHO: Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA), Chairman, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness
Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council
Austin Nimocks, Senior Counsel, Alliance Defense Fund
Bishop Harry Jackson, Chairman, High Impact Leadership Coalition
Bishop John Neal, International Communion of Evangelical Churches, retired U.S. Army Colonel
Bishop Eugene Reeves, New Life Anointed Ministries International, based in Woodbridge, Virginia
Pastor Aubrey Shines, Fresh Anointing House of Worship, based in Tampa, Florida
Pastor Terry Millender, Victorious Life Church, based Alexandria, Virginia; U.S. Army Honor Guard
Pastor Larry Palmer, Israel Total Life Ministries, based in Waldorf, Maryland; retired U.S. Air Force Sergeant-Major
Pastor Kyle Searcy, Fresh Anointing House of Worship, based in Montgomery, Alabama

WHERE: Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539

WHEN: TODAY, May 26, 2011 - 2:45 p.m. EST