WASHINGTON, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Pentagon says religious literature can be dispersed at military recruitment sites across the United States, but no religion can get preferential treatment.

In addition to the rule against religious favoritism under the new Pentagon initiative, the U.S. military also ordered that all religious representatives be prevented from evangelizing at recruitment sites, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Sunday.


Publications that "create the reasonable impression that the government is sponsoring, endorsing or inhibiting religion generally" will also not be permitted at the locations, the Pentagon said in its new regulation.

The enhanced rules for the 65 recruit processing centers nationwide are an apparent reaction to multiple complaints from civil liberties groups.

The Virginian-Pilot said the groups had complained that certain ministries have been targeting the recruitment sites for their evangelizing efforts and attempting to draw in followers by tying themselves to the military.