Norton Speaks to Archdiocese About Continuing Services to the Poor without Violating GBLT Rights

Norton Speaks to Archdiocese About Continuing Services to the Poor without Violating GBLT Rights

November 19, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Norton, a strong supporter of D.C. City Council's same-sex marriage bill, today spoke with representatives of the Catholic Archdiocese to urge that precedents used in other cities and states be considered here to resolve the differences between the city and Catholic charities. Norton said many states and localities that have strong domestic partnership laws, and some that even have same-sex marriage laws, had been able to work out ways for Catholic Charities to continue to serve the poor without violating the rights of their GBLT constituents.

Norton, whose legal background is in constitutional law and civil liberties, said her own initial research quickly revealed specific precedents for Catholic Charity operations without the sacrifice of the rights of gay people to be married or to receive benefits in accordance with local law. She said she was informed by a representative of the Archdiocese for the first time last night that there had been hopeful correspondence from members of the City Council. Norton said that this probably means that useful precedents also have been uncovered by city officials, but she offered to be of assistance in any way she can.

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