Who are Michael and Catherine Burke? Catholic couple's foster care application allegedly denied over LGBTQ stance
SOUTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS: A couple from Massachusetts is upset because their application to become foster parents was rejected. The reason? Their feelings about LGBTQ people.
Michael and Catherine Burke wanted to help kids by becoming foster parents and started the application process in January 2022. But when the process checked their opinions about LGBTQ individuals, their application got denied.
Officials checked to see what they thought about taking care of kids who have been treated unfairly, such as LGBTQ children. The couple's complaint raises questions about how personal beliefs match up with the rules for foster parents.
Who are Michael and Catherine Burke?
The Burkes live in Southampton, Massachusetts. Michael is a veteran of the Iraq war, manages a small business, and fulfills the role of an organist across multiple parishes within the Diocese of Springfield, a group of Catholic Churches.
Catherine, known as "Kitty," used to work as a special education caregiver, is a small business owner, and acts as a cantor for the Diocese of Springfield.
'They uphold Catholic beliefs about marriage and sexuality'
A social worker's report connected to the complaint mentioned that the couple was questioned about how they'd react if a child they looked after identified as LGBTQ or had difficulty with their gender identity.
According to the report, Kitty's response was to suggest removing the "T" from LGBTQ and referred to gender-affirming care as "chemical castration." She also stated, "I'll love you the same," but added that the child would have to live a "modest life."
The report also noted that both Kitty and Michael showed hesitancy about using the preferred pronouns of a transgender or nonbinary person.
During the conversation with the social worker, Michael mentioned that he had attended gay weddings and would probably attend his child's wedding if they were LGBTQ, the report stated.
The document said, "As faithful Catholics, the Burkes believe that all children should be loved and supported, and they would never reject a child placed in their home. They also believe that children should not undergo procedures that attempt to change their God-given sex, and they uphold Catholic beliefs about marriage and sexuality."
The couple also conveyed that they wouldn't evict a child from their home for being LGBTQ or subject them to conversion therapy.
Subsequent to the interview, the social worker granted them "approval with conditions," particularly concerning religion and matters related to LGBTQIA+ issues.
However, their application was subsequently turned down by the department's Licensing Review Team, as outlined in the complaint.