Catholic Social Services (CSS) is no longer included in City of Philadelphia’s’ foster care programme.
The city says it has stopped using CSS because it does not place children with same-sex couples.
Last week one of the Philadelphia Councillors asked for the city’s Public Health and Human Services to investigate Philadelphia’s partnership with organisations that do not place foster children with LGBTQ people.
The councillor said refusing to place children with LGBTQ people is discriminatory.
For the same reasons, Bethany Christian Services are not allowed to place foster children either.
Both the Catholic Church and Bethany Christian Services have been targeted because they are seen to be violating city contract rules that forbid discrimination.
Philadelphia’s fair practices ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, is included in all city contracts, the city’s executive director of the Human Relations Commission says.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s chief communications officer, Kenneth Gavin, says CSS hopes the foster care partnership with the city will resume.
“Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognises the vital importance of the foster care program in our city and is proud to provide safe and nurturing foster environments to young people in need.
“We hope to continue our productive relationship with the City of Philadelphia to serve those among us in need.”
Gavin says CSS is, “at its core, an institution founded on faith-based principles. The Catholic Church does not endorse same-sex unions based upon deeply held religious beliefs and principles.
“As such, CSS would not be able to consider foster care placement within the context of a same-sex union.”
Nonetheless, Gavin says CSS provides foster care services to any young person in need of assistance regardless of background and without making inquiry as to their sexual identity or orientation.
“That’s important to note as it is also a deeply held religious belief for us to provide care for all those in need with dignity, charity and respect.”
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