St. Louis archbishop vows to defy city's pro-abortion ordinance

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson appears in a screen capture of a video from archstlmedia. | YouTube/archstlmedia

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson said that he would defy a proposed city ordinance that would force Catholic institutions to become unwilling participants in the abortion business.

Board Bill 203, filed by Alderwoman Megan Green on Dec. 2, seeks to amend the city's anti-discrimination law and add pregnancy and reproductive health decisions as protected classes.

The proposal would prohibit employers, organizations and individuals from discriminating against people who make decisions related to abortion, birth control or artificial reproduction services, Catholic Philly reported. The measure does not exempt churches, religious organizations or individuals with conscientious objections.

In a statement published on Jan. 10, Carlson expressed his concern that the bill would allow the city to fine Catholic charities of schools if they refuse to employ people who publicly promote abortions. He noted that Catholic institutions could also be fined if their insurance plans do not cover abortions.

"As the shepherd of the faithful Catholics of this region, let me be clear that the Archdiocese of St. Louis cannot and will not comply with any ordinance like Board Bill 203 that attempts to force the Church and others to become unwilling participants in the abortion business. There is no room for compromise on such a matter," the archbishop wrote.

He urged the Board of Aldermen to defeat the bill, which is now being considered by the city's Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee.

Green and Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia have stated in December that they were partnering with NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri to make St. Louis a "sanctuary" for abortion, following Trump's election.

Ingrassia has expressed plans to file a bill that would create a buffer zone at the driveway entrance of Planned Parenthood in St. Louis.

Missouri Right to Life released a statement on Jan. 4, describing the efforts as a measure to "take away certain citizens' ability to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech."

Carlson condemned the legislative efforts to make the city as a sanctuary for abortion.

"This is not what our city should stand for; rather, St. Louis should be a sanctuary for life and compassion, especially compassion for mothers and their developing children," he stated.