Religion & American Law

In recent news, a adoption agency is under fire for refusing to allow same sex couples to adopt from their facilities. Catholic Charities of Boston is a renown adoption organization that has provided homes for countless children.  The organization consists of several adoption facilities that are scattered throughout the state.  Unfortunately, the organization's charitable reign is coming to a screeching halt due to a controversial battle between religious freedom and gay rights.

In the state of Massachusetts, it is against the law to discriminate based on an individuals sexual orientation.  The state's stance is that the Catholic Charities of Boston has violated this law by refusing to give children up to same sex couples.  It is the organization's stance that due to religious beliefs and obligations they simply cannot help same sex couples.  The organization specifically cites a statement by the Vatican which prohibits Catholic adoption agencies from giving children up to same sex couples.  Ultimately, the demise of the CCB was due to the states refusal to license the adoption facilities due to an unwillingness to adhere to the state's "discrimination on orientation law".  Some will argue that any organization who accepts state funds should satisfy the state, however that is beside the point.  The CCB's religious beliefs remain the main issue not state funding.  "Even if Catholic Charities ceased receiving tax support and gave up its role as a state contractor, it still could not refuse to place children with same-sex couples."
   
This  particular incident is far from isolated.  Cases similar to this are sprouting up throughout the country.  In Illinois, agencies are shutting down due to the state's unwillingness to permit religiously run adoption facilities to make judgments based on their religious beliefs.  In Illinois, the states are using their political might and wealth to ensure that individuals like Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Bishop of Springfield, Ill.) cannot continue contributing to the lives of orphaned children and families who seek to adopt.  It appears that religiously affiliated adoption agencies simply can not survive the states secular agenda. “The silver lining of this decision is that our Catholic Charities going forward will be able to focus on being more Catholic and more charitable,” he said, “while less dependent on government funding and less encumbered by intrusive state policies.” - Bishop Thomas Paprocki

These incidents are very troubling due to the implications they have on religious freedom.  As a country, we are now seeing a social shift that is allowing Americans to enjoy their inherent freedom, however not everyone is reaping the benefits.  More specifically, religiously affiliated organizations will no longer be allowed to adhere to all of their beliefs.  A pick and choose attitude will be instilled when it comes to religious adherence. It is becoming increasingly more difficult for individuals to use their religious beliefs to explain their actions.  In some instances it is considered illegal to act on religious obligations that could be mentally damaging to others. It is as if the religious can only truly practice and preach in the sanctity of their homes.  The state is attempting to fix "discrimination" by discriminating against the religiously adherent. The secular repercussions to the issue at hand are equally as disturbing.  As a result of these rulings there will be less resources for orphaned children.  The care that these organizations provided was unparalleled and now this remarkable service is unavailable.  Hundreds will suffer from the loss.

If it was not clear already I feel that the Catholic Charities of Boston, and similar organizations, are being discriminated against due to their beliefs.  I feel it is within their rights to adhere to Vatican Law and continue providing exceptional care.  I refuse to entertain the state funding argument, due to its implications.  It appears the state feels that they are doing the CCB a favor by funding them, however it is the other way around entirely.  The CCB is doing the state a favor by protecting orphaned children and promoting morality and family values.  We are not an extension of the state the state is an extension of us.  On the other hand, I understand that same sex couples may feel short changed, however it is not a personal attack.  Religious adherence is something that is between an individual and their god(s), it is not something Piers Morgan can debate on television.  When we are able to respect each other and our beliefs we will truly understand, however all we have until then is what our founding fathers blueprinted for us.          
  

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