The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to take up a major religious liberty case that could resolve the conflict between governments and faith-based adoption agencies that won’t place children in same-sex homes due to religious beliefs.
The case involves the city of Philadelphia, which severed its foster care contract with Catholic Social Services because the charity declined to place children in homes with same-sex couples – an action the city said violated its nondiscrimination policy.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty sued the city, claiming the policy violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. Becket is representing Catholic Social Services (CSS) and two foster moms who fostered children through CSS.
The case, Fulton v. Philadelphia, could have a major impact on similar conflicts nationwide. Becket lost at the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals before asking the Supreme Court to intervene.
The high court has not set a date for oral arguments.
“Over the last few years, agencies have been closing their doors across the country, and all the while children are pouring into the system,” said Lori Windham, senior counsel at Becket. “We are confident that the court will realize that the best solution is the one that has worked in Philadelphia for a century – all hands on deck for foster kids.”
Philadelphia city solicitor Marcel S….
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