Charities Become Collateral Damage in the Debate Over Marriage

Sarah Torre / July 14, 2011

Children served by private adoption and foster care organizations are finding themselves among the victims of collateral damage of state decisions to legally recognize same-sex couples. From county courts to the U.S. Congress, the debate over protecting the conscience rights of religious institutions is heating up.

Before Illinois passed a civil union law this spring, proponents of the measure promised the legislation would have no adverse effect on the religious liberty of private adoption agencies. Yet, just a few months after passage of the law, Illinois is trying to terminate all contracts with Catholic Charities. This week, a Sangamon County judge granted a temporary injunction against the state’s decision to end its relationship with the agencies, citing the significant harm such an abrupt termination would cause to children currently in Catholic Charities’ care.  (more…)