Faith based child placement agencies have a RIGHT, under Federal and Sate Law, to make decisions that are cnsistent with thier religous beliefs, including thier beliefs about marriage and family life. Thier RIGHT must be respected and preserved.

    There are currently a number of adoption agencies in Va that allow same sex couples to adopt children. Avenues ARE there for them to adopt children and provide loving and nuturing homes or kids. Forcing  Faith based agencies to either choose to comprimise thier religous beliefs or close is not the answer. Doing this would only DECREASE the adoption rate in this state.

            Forcing agencies and individuals to choose between following thier own values or following the proposed discriminatory regulation would be an unpreceddented violation ofreligeous freedom in Virginia. Religous liberty is foundational to our Commonwealth and our Country.

   Many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these beliefs as well, and they have every right to work with agencies thst share thier values. Faith based agencies provide VITAL services to our communities. They must be allowed to continue thier great work.