World News
Religious exemption urged for adoption agencies in civil unions bill
Published: March 4, 2013
DENVER (CNS) -- Catholic Charities of the Denver Archdiocese criticized a Colorado bill to legalize same-sex civil unions because it contains no religious liberty protections for agencies morally opposed to placing children for adoption with same-sex couples. The measure, which the state Senate already passed, was approved by the state House Judiciary Committee Feb. 28. It was to move next to the House Finance Committee, then to the full House floor for a final vote during the week of March 11. Gov. John Hickenlooper has said he will sign the bill, and it is expected to be law by May. The bill "unduly restricts the freedom of child placement agencies like Catholic Charities," the agency said in a March 1 statement. The bill says that "a priest, minister, rabbi, or other official of a religious institution or denomination or an Indian nation or tribe is not required to certify a civil union in violation of his or her right to free exercise of religion." But there is no such religious freedom provision for adoption agencies. "It unnecessarily restricts our ability to partner with foster and adoptive families who share common purpose, and live common values," Catholic Charities said.
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