Dear Sirs,

I am writing to you to urge you to reject any regulation that discriminates against faith-based child placement agencies.

On April 20, the State Board of Social Services correctly upheld the fundamental right of faith-based child placement agencies to continue their great work of helping children and families without governmental intrusion into the practice of their faith.  Forcing agencies and individuals to choose between following their own values or following the proposed discriminatory regulation would be an unprecedented violation of religious freedom in Virginia. Religious liberty is foundational to our Commonwealth and our country.

Faith-based child placement agencies have a right, under federal and state law, to make decisions that are consistent with their religious beliefs, including their beliefs about marriage and family life.  Many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these beliefs as well, and they have every right to work with agencies that share their values.This right must be respected and preserved.

Children benefit from being placed in situations that reflect the natural family, with a mother and a father.  Please do the right thing for the children and for our country.  Preserve religious freedom.

Respectfully,

Diane Reynolds