Illinois Catholic Adoption Agencies Concerned About Impact of Civil Union Law

At a press conference in Springfield, Illinois, Catholic Charities said there is a possibility that it will halt its adoption and foster care services if Illinois law requires them to place children with same-sex couples.  The issue arises because of the June 1 effective date of Illinois' civil union law.  Carmi Times reported yesterday that Catholic social service groups place children only with married couples and single individuals -- not with unmarried couples. They continue to consider couples who have had a civil union as unmarried. However the civil union law provides that parties to a civil union are entitled to the same legal benefits as married couples. Catholic Charities is urging the state legislature to pass legislation making it clear that it can refer gay couples to other organizations for adoption or foster care services.