New York debate on same-sex marriage seen as key to nation's handling of question

June 22, 2011

Los Angeles Times columnist Tim Rutten, a frequent critic of the Catholic Church, sees the political debate over same-sex marriage in New York as crucial to the future of the question all across America. But Rutten, who favors legal recognition of same-sex marriage, recognizes that the issue raises serious concerns for the religious freedom of those who oppose homosexuality. Citing the conflict in Illinois, where Catholic Charities may be forced to discontinue adoptions because, Rutten looks for a legislative solution that might soften the conflict:

If a bipartisan majority in the New York Legislature can work out a path to marriage equality that doesn't involve the sort of destructive confrontation occurring in Illinois, the contribution to moral progress and the common good will be inestimable.

Rutten does not explain how the confrontation might be avoided. But his column has drawn a heavy volume of comments on the Times web site, and an editorial summary of those comments carries the unsubtle headline: "If Catholic Charities can't accept same-sex marriage, it should get out of childcare and adoption business."

 

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Further information:

• Tim Rutten: The road to marriage equality runs through New York (Los Angeles Times)
• If Catholic Charities can't accept same-sex marriage, it should get out of childcare and adoption business (Los Angeles Times)