Lawmakers Urge San Francisco Archbishop To Drop Morality Clauses In Teacher Contracts, Call Plan 'Divisive'
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – State lawmakers representing the Bay Area are weighing in on the Catholic archbishop of San Francisco's plans to add a morality clause to high school teacher contracts.
The letter to Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone is signed by all eight state lawmakers who represent the areas served by archdiocese's four Catholic high schools.
It's in response to his decision to include a morality clause for teachers that tells them they must honor the church's teachings, both on and off the job. The archbishop specifically cited opposition to abortion, contraception and homosexuality.
The lawmakers say the new rules, "conflict with settled areas of law and foment a discriminatory environment in the communities we serve."
It goes on to say the clause, "strikes a divisive tone, which stands in stark contrast to the values that define the Bay Area and it's history."
The archbishop's plan would covers Sacred Heart and Archbishop Riordan in San Francisco, Junipero Serra in San Mateo and Marin Catholic in Kentfield.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has not responded to KPIX 5's calls for comment Tuesday afternoon.