Rights of Religious Organizations--Catholic Charities as a Case Study

Recently, Catholic Charities of Boston announced it would cease its adoption services branch at the end of its current contract. The reason? The state of MA forces agencies licensed by the state to abide by its non-discrimination policy, no exceptions made.

Over the years, CC has placed over 700 children with couples, including 13 to gay families. However, after much reflection, Archbishop O'Malley decided this was in direct conflict with church doctrine and decided the Catholic organization could no longer participate in the adoption process.

While this is no doubt, a shame as Catholic Charities of Boston has been a great asset in placing children in need with families, I believe this entire episode speaks to a larger issue. That issue is freedom of religion.

In MA, any agency licensed by the state must not discriminate on any basis. The problem, however, is that in MA, the sole adoption licensing agent is the state. As a result, there can never be, as the system is currently structured, an exemption for religious based adoption services. It puts groups such as Catholic Charities in a horrible position. Abide by man's law and continue as an adoption agency, or abide by your church's law and close shop. Sadly, we know the decision that was made.

At the end of the day, I believe, as does my man Mitt Romney, that an exemption should be made for religious organizations so long as they do not take state money. As of right now, Catholic Charities only receives one million a year in state aid--a sum easily found in the coiffers of the diocese. The greater good is served by allowing Catholic Charities the right to place children with whom their hearts and their church dictates to be the best for young kids.
To me, this is only right.