Commenter:
Andrew Brown, America World Adoption Association
Preserve Religious Freedom
On behalf of America World Adoption Association, I write in support of 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) as approved by the State Board of Social Services on April 20, 2011. The version of this regulation approved by the Board expressly prohibits “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.” This approved language reflects and upholds current federal and state laws.
Prior to the Board’s 7-2 vote of April 20 approving the above language, a draft of this section would have penalized faith-based child welfare agencies for conducting business in keeping with deeply-held religious convictions. The Board wisely recognized that the discriminatory language of the original draft would place an undue and unconstitutional burden on private faith-based agencies that would have resulted in the forced closure of some of the Commonwealth’s most effective advocates for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children.
A review of the directory of Licensed Child Placing Agencies reveals that there are approximately 60 licensed private adoption agencies in Virginia. Of these, 42 have some sort of religious affiliation. It goes without saying that any regulation limiting the ability of these agencies to operate would have a significant and lasting negative impact on the children we serve.
For America World, our support of the Board’s approved language is not about opposing or preventing adoption based on sexual orientation. The laws of Virginia expressly allow for adoption by married couples as well as single individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Rather, our support of the approved language is an expression of our desire to continue fighting to ensure that every child grows up in a loving family.
We believe that there is room at the table for people of all faiths and backgrounds to contribute to the shared goal or serving orphaned and vulnerable children. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of children in need of a permanent, loving home. Our opinion is that the more agencies that are willing and able to serve these children, the better. The regulations adopted by the State Board of Social Services on April 20, 2011 reflect this belief and truly place the best interests of the child above all other considerations.
If the State Board of Social Services is serious about doing what is in the best interests of children, it will resist political pressure and once again vote to approve the language of 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) that was enacted on April 20, 2011.
