Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

DC, Catholic Church in Gay Rights Standoff

Church to pull plug on social programs if marriage bill passes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2009 3:04 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has told the District of Columbia it will tear up its social service contracts to help the city's needy if it passes a proposed same-sex marriage bill next month. The bill wouldn't require the church to perform or provide space for gay marriages, but would require it to obey laws banning discrimination against gays and lesbians. Church officials say that's something they simply can't do, the Washington Post reports.

Social programs affecting 68,000 people, including a third of the city's homeless, would be affected if the church makes good on its threats, but lawmakers have signaled that they won't bow to the archdiocese's demands. "If they find living under our laws so oppressive that they can no longer take city resources, the city will have to find an alternative partner," said one council member, noting that the church has received almost $9 million in city contracts since 2006.

Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington DC speaks at a news conference during the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington DC speaks at a news conference during the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.   (AP Photo/ Steve Ruark)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem.
- Susan Gibbs,
archdiocese spokeswoman

The issue here is they are using public funds, and to allow people to discriminate with public money is unacceptable. - Peter Rosenstein of
the Campaign for All DC Families

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
oldgoat
Nov 13, 2009 5:14 AM CST
I'd tell the church to start tearing it up then. We will then also start process to revoke their tax exempt status.
So_Cal_Larry
Nov 13, 2009 4:36 AM CST
The hypocrisy of the Catholic Church of the U.S. is beyond shocking - it is criminal. They've had their closeted fag popes, they've had their multi-transferred pederast priests. And they have learned nothing about our species. In Washington, DC, the Church needs to be told the same thing they were in New York some years ago - TAKE A HIKE.
Spudsy
Nov 13, 2009 3:49 AM CST
So if I marry a guy, the catholic church will leave Illinois? That's it. I will take one in the rump to save all of those little altar boys.

 
gay rights • gay marriage • Catholic Church • Washington DC • social services • District of Columbia • archdiocese

More Newser Stories

DC Celebrates First Gay Marriages

Mass. Catholic School Dean Loses Job After Gay Marriage

Same-Sex Couples Line Up for Marriage Licenses in DC

Gay Marriage Arriving in Mexico City

Catholic Church Welcomes Disgruntled Anglicans
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne