© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Judge says faith-based adoption agencies can refuse to place children with same sex couples

baby feet
Janko Ferlic
/
Unsplash
The state of Michigan cannot force faith-based adoption agencies to place children with same sex guardians.

A federal judge says St. Vincent Catholic Charities and other faith-based adoption agencies with state contracts can refuse to place children with same sex couples while a lawsuit is pending.

A federal judge ruled late Thursday against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

In March, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the ACLU of Michigan announced a settlement to resolve a suit filed by lesbian couples who alleged they had been turned away. As part of that settlement she said that the state would no longer issue contracts to agencies, like St. Vincent Catholic Charities, because she says they discriminate against same sex couples.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities says their sincerely held religious beliefs bar them from working with same sex couples, and that when same sex couples approach them, the organization refers them elsewhere.

The judge ruled St. Vincent can continue its adoption services while this case is being litigated.

He also criticized Nessel for targeting St. Vincent based on its religious beliefs.

Lauren Talley is Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition producer. She produces and edits studio interviews and feature stories, and helps manage the “Mornings in Michigan” series. Lauren also serves as the lead substitute host for Morning Edition.
Related Content