D.C. Archdiocese Links Social Services to Gay-Rights Bill

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is threatening to cut off social-service programs it runs for the city unless the local government revises a proposal designed to aid same-sex couples, The Washington Post reports.

Under the measure, due for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Church officials say they would cancel city contracts if required, for example, to extend employee benefits to same-sex couples.

Catholic Charities provides adoption, health, and other services to 68,000 people in Washington, including about a third of the city’s homeless people who to go to city-owned, church-run shelters.

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