An Ongoing Saga: FIC, Courant, and DCF

If you read today's Hartford Courant, then you may have seen this letter to the editor from The Family Institute of Connecticut's Executive Director Peter Wolfgang. In the letter, Wolfgang defends the Institute's request that the state's Department of Children and Families take down links that promoted "the revisionist view that the Bible and religion approve of homosexual activity and attack those churches that disagree."

This letter is part of on ongoing saga between the FIC, The Courant, and DCF. As we reported on WJMJ Religious News on July 15, the Connecticut Department of Children has taken down web links that promoted a pro-gay interpretation of the Bible. DCF removed the links after being threatened with a lawsuit from the Family Institute of Connecticut and the American Center for Law and Justice. The links were to various websites saying the Bible takes a positive view of gay actions. The Family Institute’s Peter Wolfgang says DCF was violating the First Amendment because DCF was using public funds to try to change religious views of children. DCF has agreed to take the site down until the issues are addressed. They say they will remove information that promotes a particular religious viewpoint.

However, Wolfgang says the Courant has distorted the story. On July 17, he posted his first blog post reacting to the paper's coverage. You can read that reaction here, along with links to the article he questions. He also blogged again today, acknowledging the Courant's correction of the original piece, while still wondering about the original piece, asking, "Who lied to the Courant about the content of our complaint?"

S.B. 899 Passes with Amendment to Protect Religious Freedom

Senate Bill 899, the codification of same-sex marriage in the state of Connecticut, passed through the Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday, after a 10-hour marathon of debate and compromise.

Democratic Senator Edith Prague spoke to us about what this bill really does for our radio newscast on WJMJ Radio.

The Bill as passed will allow same sex couples who are currently in a civil union to be automatically married as of October of 2010.

Lawmakers endorsed an amendment that allows religious organizations to opt out of the law's requirements, meaning that a group such as the Knights of Columbus would not be required to rent out its function halls for same-sex wedding receptions. Nor would a Catholic priest be obligated to preside over such a union.

The Hartford Courant published the full story on yesterday's vote.

One key problem opponents of this bill are still fighting against is the possibility of homosexuality being taught in schools. Supporters of the bill say this is not an issue, as there is no language in the bill specifically relating to teaching the lifestyle within school curricula.

Crossroads Magazine will have the entire story - including what voters think about the passage and the amendment - later this week.

SB 899, Gay Marriage in CT

The State Senate may vote tomorrow on SB 899, the same-sex marriage codeification bill. Archbishop Henry Mansell has asked all Catholics to write or call their representatives, claiming that religious freedom is now at risk.

Last week, the Family Institute of Connecticut staged a rally on the North Steps of the Capital building. 125 people showed up, in dreary weather, holding signs, and shouting slogans, all in opposition to this bill. The Family Institute is not connected with the Catholic Church.

Crossroads has been following this story closely. We covered the rally, and both sides of the debate last week.

The Hartford Courant covered the story yesterday, as a preview to tomorrow's possible vote.

We'll be there again tomorrow, and bring you another update as soon as we have new information.

If you don't want to wait that long, you can visit the Family Institute's website to contact your representatives.