The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has announced it is shutting down its 80-year-old foster care program, citing the District’s plan to legalize gay marriage, which the church said conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Catholic Charities, which receives $20 million in support from the city, does not condone same-sex marriage and therefore would turn down gay and lesbian couples seeking to become foster parents on the sole basis of their sexual orientation.

Since that would constitute discrimination under D.C.’s Human Rights Act, the Church has transferred its entire program of 43 children, 35 families and seven staff members to another provider, the National Center for Children and Families, which is not affiliated with any religious institution.

Which is all good for the kids anyway, who at the very least, will no longer be subjected to the homophobic teachings of a church that promotes discrimination.

DC’s gay marriage bill, which was approved and signed in December, is expected to become law in the next couple of weeks if it clears a congressional review period.

Tags: Catholic Church, District of Columbia, Foster Care, LGBT Parents, Marriage Equality, Washington DC

Filed under: District of Columbia