HIV-positive chaplain accused of misconduct

[unhappycamper]

HIV-positive chaplain accused of misconduct
By Andrew Tilghman and Chris Amos - Staff writers
Posted : Tuesday Dec 4, 2007 20:55:59 EST

An HIV-positive Navy chaplain and Catholic priest who allegedly had consensual and non-consensual sex with other military men without disclosing his condition will face a court-martial, military officials said Tuesday.

The court-martial of Lt. Cmdr. John Thomas Matthew Lee, 42, will begin on Thursday at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

The Archdiocese of Washington, where Lee was ordained in 1993, received allegations of sexual misconduct in June and subsequently “removed his faculties to perform Mass,” said Susan Gibbs, a diocesan spokeswoman. He also was relieved of his military duties in June, though military officials would not disclose his current duty status or unit.

As of Tuesday night, Lee was a patient at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. When reached by phone in his hospital room, he declined to comment on the upcoming court-martial.

“No thank you, no thank you. I don’t wish to talk,” he said, before abruptly hanging up.

The five charges Lee is facing include allegations of sodomy, aggravated assault, indecent assault, fraternization and conduct unbecoming a military officer, according to a statement issued by the Marine Corps officials Tuesday night.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/marine_chaplain_hiv_071204a/

[ingac70]

1. Non-consensual sex??

And didn't disclose his condition to consensual partners. This guy needs to be charged with attempted murder at the very least.

[DCKit]

2. Depends on their definition of "non-consensual"

Second thoughts AFTER an orgasm can't be construed as non-consent anywhere but the military. However, I am disturbed about the HIV status and lack of disclosure unless it can be proven he acted responsibly.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" didn't end the military witch hunts, so I'm dubious whenever there is a case such as this one.

[TheMadMonk]

3. Let's see. A HIV positive priest, in violation of his vows, knowingly ...

...putting others at risk. Not sure where "Don't ask. Don't tell." actually fits in.

Whatever his sexual orientation, Points one and three pretty much automatically qualify him for a court martial, and point two is probably worth a "Conduct Ubecoming" maraschino.