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Marc LoveThe pending lift of a ban on gays serving openly in the US armed forces is prompting a review of whether to allow same-sex weddings on Navy bases. Rear Admiral M.L. Tidd, the chief Navy chaplain has suspended such a proposal following a letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus from 63 Republican congressmen, who questioned whether such proceedings would violate a 1996 federal law-the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)-that defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman.
The letter complained that the use of federal facilities and federal employees to conduct same-sex marriages clearly violates the DOMA, which still binds the military. It's unclear how the Navy review will affect the Army and other branches of the US armed services. The initial view at the Pentagon had concluded there was nothing to prevent same-sex ceremonies on bases, but now the legal counsel is forced to reexamine that position.
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fortherockPuerto Rico is promoting itself as a top destination for weddings in the Caribbean, in an effort to capture a portion of the $16 billion a year worldwide wedding tourism market.
The Caribbean region currently attracts 30% of the international total wedding tourism market, but Puerto Rico so far only accounts for a small percentage of that business. A new law in Puerto Rico now makes it easier for non-residents of Puerto Rico to get married there, as future brides and grooms will no longer have to present originals of their blood-test results as was previously required under Puerto Rican law. Since the new measure was signed into law last August, hotels on the island have seen a substantial increase in reservations for foreigners who are traveling there to get married.
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Damian Morys FotoAccording to the Kardashian sisters, the latest season of their hit show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" will feature two dream weddings. Khloe broke the news, but refused to give further details on who would be getting married in the new season.
Since Kim recently announced her engagement to NBA player Kris Humphries, most people would assume that her wedding will be one of the two. However, Khloe said it's not Kim, so it's really a mystery at this point. It seems like the Kardashians are always on TV now, with a new reality show featuring Khloe and Lamar just wrapping up its first season. Kourtney says that the season premier e of "Keeping Up" will catch fans up on all the latest Kardashian gossip, and the girls say they all love getting together to do a family show again.