I wish to commend the Board for its approval on April 20 of regulations that preserve the principle of religious freedom in Virginia and also respects the conscience and beliefs of faith-based child adoption agencies and birth parents with regard to marriage and the family as it affects their child placement decisions. 

Therefore, I urge the Board to reject any proposals that would discriminate against such agencies or the birth parents by forcing them to either violate their core beliefs or, in the case of the agencies, force them to close their doors.

Thank You!