The original regulations by the State Board of Social Services correctly upheld the fundamental right of faith-based child placement agencies to place children without governmental interference in their practice of their faith.

By federal and state law, adoption agencies have the right to make decisions consistent with their religious beliefs. This includes beliefs about marriage and family life. Intefering with this right violates the U.S. Constitutions's first amendment.

Prospective parents should be able to work with agencies that share their religious values.

Denying faith-based agencies their religious rights would decrease the availability of adoption services.