The Catholic Charities of the Archidiocese of Washington announced it would stop issuing spousal benefits. The protest comes in response to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the nation’s capital. The organization employs 850 people — 85 are receiving benefits.
According to TPM, Catholic Charities issued the following statement:
“The change to our benefits package allows us to remain in compliance with District of Columbia law; adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, defined as solely between a man and a woman; and allow us to continue our partnership with the district in serving more than 68,000 people last year in need.”
The Catholic adoption and foster care group’s change would not apply to spouses already enrolled, but it would affect spouses who are currently not enrolled, new spouses of employees and new employees.
The Roman Catholic Church has been fighting what they feel to be the “good fight” all week. Mexico City legalized same-sex marriage on Thursday. According to CBS News the church spoke out against Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebard stating he is “following the line set down by foreign groups.”