The state is trying to cancel contracts totaling more than $30 million with the group Catholic Charities because it’s refusing to recognize Illinois’ new civil unions law.

The charity sued, saying it shouldn’t be forced to place children with unmarried couples. A judge sided with the state.

If the charity ultimately loses its appeal, its families would have to work with another agency.

Beth Banuelos and her husband have cared for about 50 children through Catholic Charities in southern Illinois. She says she’d probably try working with another agency.

But fellow longtime foster parent Mark Zartman says he wouldn’t, in part because foster children need the structure of “a traditional family.”

Copyright The Associated Press