 The move follows legal battles over the state's new civil unions
law, which some Catholic groups have said threatens religious
beliefs.For decades, Catholic Charities has received state funds
for placing children. But the remaining agencies that provide
services say they'll only place children with married couples. The
agencies are in dioceses of Peoria, Joliet, Springfield and
Belleville.
Gov. Pat Quinn sent letters last week to the four Catholic
Charities agencies, saying Illinois couldn't accept contracts
because the agencies had made it clear they wouldn't be complying
with Illinois religious freedom and civil union acts.
Three have sued state officials for threatening to enforce new
policies that accommodate civil unions.
Agency lawyers say they'll seek a court injunction.
[Associated Press]
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