This could be one of the most significant infringements on freedom of religion in the history of the United States. Seriously.

Gray Davis, who still retains the office of Governor of California, has signed a bill requiring all “businesses” (not sure how that’s defined in the statute) that have contracts with the state with a value of more than $100,000 to offer “domestic partner:” benefits. The article does not mention an exclusion for Catholic hospitals, which generally provide rather large amounts of business under state contracts with Medicaid (known as “MediCal” in California). It would seem likely that such an exemption would have captured the attention of the reporter sine other exceptions are listed.

If this law is implemented without a “conscience clause”, then Catholic hospitals in California will face the choice of either (a) discontinuing most business with the state – which includes a great deal of the care for the poor that is at the heart of a Catholic hospital’s mission; (b) abandoning Christianity to treat homosexual liaisons as functionally equivalent to marriate; or (c) ceasing operations entirely.

Consequently, it is very important that Davis’ latest depredation be either rescinded or, at the barest minimum, sharply curtailed.