GOP Lawmakers Criticize Pentagon's Exclusion of Mormonism from Religious Identity List

Republican lawmakers, including Utah Senator Mike Lee, have expressed strong disapproval of the Pentagon's recent decision to remove Mormonism from its list of recognized religious identities for servicemembers. Lee stated that this action undermines the principle of government non-interference in religious matters, urging the Pentagon to reconsider and reverse the decision. The Defense Department announced on June 6, 2026, that it would reduce the number of religious identities from over 200 to 31, allowing identification as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i, or agnostic, but excluding Wiccan, pagan, humanist, or atheist identities. Lee emphasized the importance of accurately representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asserting that members of this faith are patriotic and service-oriented. Other Republican representatives, including John Curtis and Mike Kennedy, echoed Lee's sentiments, calling for a correction of the record regarding the Church's classification.