Back in November we alerted you to the fact that the DC City council was considering a new law that would require those who partner with the district in areas of social service (including the Church) to provide employee benefits to same-sex couples. At the time, Catholic Charities of DC expressed fear that they would have to close their doors if such a law was passed. However, in a bold move to keep its doors open to the poor and needy, the DC branch of Catholic Charities has adopted changes to its existing exployee health insurance coverage to avoid having to provide benefits to same-sex couples as is required by a new law.
While current employees who have their spouses covered by the plan will see no changes, starting March 2, any new employees will not be able to add their spouses. In a letter to employees of the agency, president and CEO Edward Orzechowski expressed regret that such a change had to occur but that the “challenge for us was how to comply with the new same-sex marriage law requirements, and continue our partnership with the District of Columbia in serving the poor and vulnerable, and remaining true to the teachings of our faith.”
Full story over at CNS. This is truly a sad situation that the DC City council has thrust upon the employees of the largest provider of social services. If such laws continue to be passed around the country, we may be in for a long and difficult fight.
