Catholic Archdiocese Seeks Exemption from DC’s Proposed Same-Sex Marriage Law

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington raised concerns last week that as presently worded the District of Columbia’s proposed same-sex marriage bill would prevent many religious social service providers, including Catholic Charities, from continuing to provide social services in cooperation with (and funded in large part by) the District’s government.  According to the Archdiocese, while the bill would not require religious organizations to hold same-sex marriage ceremonies, it might require such organizations to treat same-sex marriages the same as different-sex marriages for purposes of employee benefits, adoption services, and even use of church facilities for events other than marriage.  The Archdiocese further noted Catholic Charities serves 68,000 in DC annually and Catholic parishes operate another 93 social service programs.  A committee of the DC City Council approved the bill.  To become law, the full council and the mayor must approve the legislation.  Congress has the ability to block the legislation, but only if it passes a joint resolution of disapproval and the President signs that resolution.

Additional coverage:  NY Times, Washington Post.

LHM