A Washington, D.C., City Council committee voted Tuesday to move a same-sex marriage bill on to the full council, but shot down language that would have protected faith-based private businesses or nonprofits. The bill has some exemptions for churches.
Susan Gibbs, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., said Catholic Charities of Washington will likely be the first victim of the policy.
"To contract with the city, to provide official services with the city," she said, "we would have to certify that we promote and recognize same-sex marriage, and we can't do that."
Catholic Charities offers services to about 68,000 residents of the capital, including food, shelter, health care and legal assistance.
Eric Hall, religious liberty attorney for Rothgerber, Johnson and Lyons, said three years ago, Catholic Charities of Boston had to give up its adoption services after battling Massachusetts over same-sex marriage.
"I do have a concern" Hall said, "that more and more religious charities will stop providing these services that have been part of the American fabric since our founding."
Gibbs said Catholic Charities will continue to provide essential services with its own money, but will not bow to pressure to endorse gay marriage. She expects that will prompt a lawsuit.
"With this bill, the council is telling faith groups, 'You can practice your faith at church services and in your religion classes, but when you walk out the door you've got to stop'," she said.
— Steve Jordahl
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