Illinois dioceses sue to stop enforcement of same-sex adoption rule
June 07, 2011
Three Catholic dioceses in Illinois have filed suit to block enforcement of a new law that would require adoption agencies to give equal treatment to homosexual couples.
The dioceses of Peoria, Springfield, and Joliet joined in the lawsuit, on behalf of their offices of Catholic Charities, which currently handle more than 15% of all adoptions in Illinois. Catholic Charities officials say that, since they will not violate Church teachings that condemn placing children with homosexual couples, the new rule forces them to stop providing adoption services.
The lawsuit asks for an injunction to stop enforcement of the laws—and allow Catholic Charities to continue adoption services—until the case is heard. In all three dioceses, Catholic Charities has stopped providing adoptions.
Lawyers for the dioceses argue that agencies providing public services should not be forced to violate their own religious principles.
The Illinois attorney general’s office, which is charged with enforcement, declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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Further information:
- Peoria Diocese, others sue over same-sex foster parent issue (Journal Star)
- Catholic Charities sue Illinois over foster rules (Chicago Tribune)
- Illinois diocese drops adoption, foster-care services (CWN, 5/27)
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