Civil union law is about state funding

My recollection of what happened with religious institutions and adoptions relating to the state’s civil union law is different from that of David E. Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute.

Catholic Charities said it wouldn’t take state contributions if they would have to place children in homes having gay parents. I remember that it struck me cold that an agency would deny kids loving, financially solid homes.

If Gov. Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan locked the doors and forbade people from using the service, I would agree that it would be wrong. Instead I think that tax funding stopped. Here lies the difference. It is state law that another group of people cannot be discriminated against if you want to use state funds. Your religious belief could be that Catholic Charities is right to choose this action, I agree, so I need to put more money in the collection and earmark it. Simple.

Also, the civil union law says it won’t barge through your church doors and make you marry gay people. Thankfully there are congregations that are family oriented and welcome LGBT people into their community. That’s the Civil Union and Religious Freedom Law. That’s the way I understand it.

Lois Strzyzewski

Prospect Heights