DC's Catholic Charities Ends All Spousal Benefits So Gays Can't Get Any

Washington DC's Catholic Charities will no longer offer spousal benefits to any new employees in order to ensure that no dirty queer in their employ gets to cover his partner.

Employees at Catholic Charities were told Monday that the social services organization is changing its health coverage to avoid offering benefits to same-sex partners of its workers -- the latest fallout from a bitter debate between District officials trying to legalize same-sex marriage and the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Starting Tuesday, Catholic Charities will not offer benefits to spouses of new employees or to spouses of current employees who are not already enrolled in the plan. A letter describing the change in health benefits was e-mailed to employees Monday, two days before same-sex marriage will become legal in the District. "We looked at all the options and implications," said the charity's president, Edward J. Orzechowski. "This allows us to continue providing services, comply with the city's new requirements and remain faithful to the church's teaching."

Catholic Charities, which receives $22M annually from the city, has 850 employees, of whom about 100 currently cover their spouses through their work insurance. Existing employees will be allowed to keep their partners on their plan. Two weeks ago the charity ended its foster care program rather than be forced to allow gay couples to participate.