Catholic group sues San Francisco over gay adoption remarks

SAN FRANCISCO - A Catholic civil rights group sued the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for allegedly violating the separation of church and state by criticizing the Roman Catholic Church's position on adoption by gay couples.

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights sued Monday in federal court after the board's nonbinding, but strongly worded resolution condemned a plea by the Vatican urging the bishop to stop facilitating adoptions to gay couples.

The resolution last month said that it was an insult to San Franciscans when the Vatican "meddles with and attempts to negatively influence this great city's existing and established customs and traditions."

The wording "conjures up the worst imagery of anti-Catholic bigotry," said Bill Donohue, the Chicago-based league's president.

The lawsuit asks a judge to find the board breached the First Amendment prohibition on governments restricting religious activities, an action Donohue acknowledged would be more symbolic than practical.

"What we would like them to do is send them a message that this kind of hate speech which is designed to intimidate Catholics from engaging in public discussions can't be tolerated," Donohue said.

Catholic group sues San Francisco over gay adoption remarks

San Jose Mercury News