SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois is asking to join a lawsuit against the state over foster placements to gay couples.

The organization is affiliated with the Belleville diocese.

The Department of Children and Family Services ended its foster-care and adoption services with Catholic Charities July 1 because it says the group discriminates by not allowing gay couples to take kids.

Catholic Charities sued, representing dioceses in Springfield, Peoria and Joliet. The lawsuit says the state’s civil unions law does not require it to place children with unmarried couples.

The civil union law took effect June 1.

Sangamon County Judge John Schmidt has ruled that the foster-care contracts must stay in place until an August hearing.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.