Governors Of Maryland And Virginia Blast Catholic Charities On Marriage Threat

The governors of Maryland and Virginia, both of whom are Catholic, appeared on DC-area radio yesterday to blast DC's Catholic Charities over the organization's threat to suspend homeless services should same-sex marriage become legal in the District.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley criticized the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington's response to the district's gay marriage proposal during a joint appearance on Washington radio station WTOP. The D.C. City Council is expected to approve gay marriage next month. The archdiocese says that unless the proposal is amended to add a religious exemption, its Catholic Charities won't be able to continue contracts with the city to run homeless shelters and provide other services to needy residents. "I'm Catholic and I think it's wrong," Kaine, who also is chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said of the church's position. "I don't think you take your ball and go home." Said O'Malley: "It would be very, very sad for all concerned. I don't understand how they can possibly do this."

The DC City Council takes the first of two required votes on marriage on December 1st.