St. Louis Archdiocese Condemns Gay Marriage Move

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is condemning a city move challenging Missouri's constitutional ban on gay marriage by issuing same-sex marriage licenses to four couples.

The diocese issued a written statement calling the city decision a violation of "the laws of our state (that) disregard(s) the laws of nature."

Four gay couples were married Wednesday a City Hall ceremony. The city decision was an intentional effort to force state courts to overturn the constitutional ban passed by state voters a decade ago.

Attorney General Chris Koster says he supports gay marriage but will uphold the state ban in court.

The archdiocese statement adds that the Catholic church can "love a person (without) accepting all their behaviors" but that "sex is to be reserved for marriage" between a man and woman.

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.