Legally the Church can choose not to include them in the Directory. Just like the Boy Scouts, PRIVATE organizations have the ability to determine their membership. Granted, a constitutionally understanding like that is increasingly being challenged, but at least in regards to groups like the Boy Scouts, the Supreme Court has upheld the ability to choose membership. The couple will have zero constitutional grounds to sue.
That’s what my wife was saying. After a more careful reading and reflection, I have to wonder why is there any “debate” at all? Given PAR35 comment, this must have been going on for a while. It sounds like they’re more concerned about perception than anything.