Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

There is much talk of tolerance and respect these days but news out of New York again reminds us that tolerance is too often a one-way street. The Catholic Charities of Buffalo was forced to close their adoption and foster care services because the state is mandating that they place children in same-sex parented households which goes against their religious teaching.  Monica Mahaffey, a spokeswoman for the New York Office of Children and Family Services, said “Discrimination of any kind is illegal and in this case (Children and Family Services) will vigorously enforce the laws designed to protect the rights of children and same sex couples. There is no place for providers that choose not to follow the law.” Somehow she missed the irony that she's discriminating against a faith-based ministry that just happens to have a different view on what they believe is best for kids.