Of course it always helps to have a point of reference and here it is ....
Deacons forbidden to hold office....
Hmmmm... It seems that New York has now decided to go forward and enforce the public office ban on Permanent Deacons. To me, the solution in this particular case seems contrived. There is no such thing as a "Leave of Absence" for Deacons. Then again, we've created this contrived position because of The Scandal.
"...When it became clear Egan would not grant a total exemption, Devlin proposed the leave of absence. 'When the judicial process began, my actions were authorized. The new (canon) law created a very difficult and conflicted situation, because of my ministry and my desire to be a judge,' he said. 'The leave of absence allows me to remain a deacon in good standing and resume my service when my judicial term ends.'
The leave will take effect Sept. 30. After that, Devlin will no longer be able to perform his ministries — such as baptisms, weddings and burial services — until January if he loses the election and January 2016 at the earliest if he wins. He will seek Egan's permission to perform those duties for family members as they arise, even if he is not an active deacon at the time, he said. ..."
Related article: Catholic judge to take leave from Chappaqua church
There are a lot of good reasons why a deacon or priest should not hold political office. Pope John Paul II was right to prohibit it.
As for divorce. In the eastern churches, you could end up with a divorced priest as well. I think it's terribly important that married men who are seeking to become deacons or priests be very carefully vetted with regard to their family life.