Last month, three Illinois Catholic dioceses-- those of Springfield, Peoria and Joliet-- filed a state court lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgement that they are acting within the law in offering adoption and foster care services only to married couples and to non-cohabiting single individuals and in refusing to place children with couples in same-sex civil unions. (See prior posting.) Now AP reports that yesterday, a Sangamon County Circuit Court issued a temporary injunction, pending a hearing next month, reinstating the state contracts relating to children in Catholic Charities supported foster homes. The court expressed concern that abrupt termination could affect the well being of the children in foster care. The state had argued that the issue was moot since the contracts expired June 30 and had not been renewed because Catholic Charities indicated they would not comply with state law. Catholic Charities wants to be able to refer same-sex couples to other adoption and foster care agencies.
UPDATE: AP reported on July 13 that Illinois will not cut off funding to other faith-based agencies in the state for existing children in foster care, even though they are not covered by this injunction, until this case is resolved.
UPDATE2: The Chicago Tribune reported July 15 that dioceses in Springfield, Peoria and Joliet filed emergency motions to obtain a clarification from the court on whether under its order the state can stop referring new cases to Catholic Charities. UPDATE3: Here is a copy of the motion filed by the dioceses.
