WASHINGTON - The Catholic Church is threatening to stop providing social service programs in the District. It's the latest twist in the fight over recognizing gay marriage.

Opposition to D.C.'s same-sex marriage bill now has some financial teeth in it. The Catholic Church, through the Archdiocese of Washington, is threatening to end a longstanding network of social services if the city council passes the bill. The church says morally, it has no other choice.

"The city is telling us 'if you want to continue doing business with the city and partner with us, you're going to have to violate your faith. We're dedicated to help with social services but we can't stop being Catholic,'" said Archdiocese of Washington Spokesperson Susan Gibbs.

Primarily through Catholic charities, the church has $25 million worth of contracts with the city to help the homeless, provide foster care and adoption services and other programs.

An amendment to the bill "does" exempt churches from having to perform same-sex weddings or rent their halls out for receptions. but other uses by same-sex couples could 'not' be denied.

Moreover, religious organizations would have to provide employment benefits to same-sex partners.

Others say it's about time and that this is about discrimination, not religious freedom:

"It is a civil rights issue. Leave the sacraments of the church to the church," said Bishop Rainey Cheeks with the D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality. "And we're keeping the city council in prayer that they will do what is right and is just. This is a social justice issue."

The archdiocese also argues there is no religious protection for individuals such as marriage counselors or caterers who could be sued if they decline to serve same sex couples.

The city council, however, votes on the bill December 1 and seems to overwhelmingly support it.

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