SCOTUS Rules Against Philly In Catholic Services Adoption Case

PHILADELPHIA — The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Catholic adoption group after the city of Philadelphia said it was ending its contract with the group based on its LGBT discrimination.

The court Thursday ruled unanimously in favor of foster mothers Sharonell Fulton and Toni Simms-Busch.

Fulton and Simms-Busch sued took the city to court after the city ended its contract with Catholic Social Services, which has a policy of refusing to consider and certify same-sex couples based on religious beliefs.

The city's policy for adoption groups it contracts with bans discrimination against LGBT couples.

However, Thursday's ruling puts religious freedom ahead of the city's policy.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia said the church has been serving Philadelphia's children for 200 years.

"Thanks to today’s decision, it can continue that vital work," the Archdiocese said in a statement. "In the Court’s unanimous decision, Chief Justice Roberts made clear that the city cannot exclude foster parents like Sharonell and Toni or Catholic Social Services simply because city officials disagree with the religious agency’s sincere Catholic beliefs about marriage. The Justices also recognized that protecting faith-affirming agencies will ensure foster children in need have every opportunity available to find a loving home."

Philadelphia Solicitor Diana Corte called the decision "difficult and disappointing."

"With today’s decision, the Court has usurped the City’s judgment that a non-discrimination policy is in the best interests of the children in its care, with disturbing consequences for other government programs and services," she said in a statement. "At the same time, the city is gratified that the Supreme Court did not, as the plaintiffs sought, radically change existing constitutional law to adopt a standard that would force court-ordered religious exemptions from civic obligations in every arena."

She expressed concerns that the decision might create "a confusing patchwork" now that city contractors and partners can set their own terms on how to provide services.

"In contrast, non-discrimination requirements like the one struck down by the Court today encourage a larger, more diverse pool of available foster parents," she said. "They also send an important message of inclusion and acceptance to the many LGBTQ youth in the City’s care."

Archbishop Nelson Pérez said the decision was a victory for Philadelphia's children in need.

"Today’s ruling allows our ministries to continue serving those in need, for foster families to find an agency that shares and reflects their faith, and for foster children to find a loving home," he said. It also protects our enshrined right to religious freedom and celebrates the rich diversity of religious beliefs in the United States."