Catholic Charities Seeks Stay of Judge’s Ruling

Attorneys for Catholic Charities are asking an appellate court to stay a ruling that allows Illinois to stop working with the groups on adoptions and foster-care placements.

An emergency motion filed Friday asks for a stay of an August ruling by a Sangamon County judge.

That ruling sides with the state, which severed work with Catholic Charities after the agency refused to recognize Illinois' civil union law.

Catholic Charities says it developed a "property interest'' in the work after 40 years of state contracts. The agency says it should be able to object to state action. The judge ruled no one has a legal right to a state contract.

The Catholic Charities are affiliated with the Joliet, Springfield and Belleville dioceses.

A response from the state is due Wednesday.