Should the adoption organization Catholic Charities of Illinois be allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples?

A	No, the organization should not be allowed to discriminate. If they accept taxpayer money, they must follow anti-discrimination laws.

B	Yes, the organization should be allowed to follow their religious doctrine even if that means denying adoptions to same-sex couples.

Illinois began allowing civil unions for same-sex couples on June 1, 2011. Same-sex couples, including a couple close to my heart, took advantage and celebrated the small step toward justice and inclusion. Civil unions, not gay marriage, are now legal in Illinois, but the state will recognize same-sex marriages from other states.

One organization, Catholic Charities, will not join the celebration of increased gay rights in Illinois. According to WGN, "The charities asked the court to declare that they are legally justified to preserve their current policy of exclusively granting licenses to married couples and single, non-cohabiting individuals and referring civil union couples to other child welfare agencies. " The Family Research Council reports, "The Roman Catholic diocese in Rockford has announced that it will close its doors on the church's adoption program before subjecting children to placement in homosexual homes."

Previous to legal civil unions in Illinois, a Catholic Charities spokesperson had explained, "It is the religious practice of Catholic Charities not to place children with unmarried, cohabiting couples, whether same sex or opposite sex.” Now that same-sex couples have a chance at legally recognized union, and the organization can't hide behind "we wouldn't let straight people do this either!", the same person could not be reached for comment.

So keeping children from potentially safe, healthy homes based on the sexuality (or marital status) of the adults in the home because of religious beliefs may seem silly, illogical, or wrong (or perfectly appropriate, what do I know), but perhaps the religious organization has a right to make that decision. Not so, according to Huffington Post commentary that delineates the financial problem with Catholic Charity's argument. They receive taxpayer money, yet they want to employ illegal discriminatory practices.

The HuffPo blogger writes, "It's not right nor fair to the child -- who is denied a chance at a good home simply because of religious doctrine. And it's certainly not right or fair to the gay couples -- who are hardworking taxpayers and should be treated with the dignity and respect which comes with that title." Still, one could argue that freedom of religion dictates the right of a church to abide by their teachings. What do you think? Is Catholic Charities out of line for preferring to shut down their adoption center rather than recognize same-sex couples as potential parents?

Eleanor Brown

Should the adoption organization Catholic Charities of Illinois be allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples?

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