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.
You are probably right about being concerned over perceptions.
On a related note, Cardinal George (Catholic Archbishop of Chicago) foresees the day when the Courts take this right away from the Church, forcing her underground. Seeing the direction of Court decisions, its quite likely unfortunately.