In order that child-placing agencies may continue the important work that they are doing, I hope that the rights, values, and beliefs of faith-based agencies will continue to be respected with regard to regulations about who may adopt children in Virginia. They should not be required to place children for adoption in conflict with their beliefs about marriage and family life.

Please maintain the regulation adopted on April 20, which reads as follows:

"The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin to: (1) Delay or deny a child's placement; or (2) Deny an individual the opportunity to become a foster or adoptive parent."

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Seiler