I am writing to express my opposition to new regulations proposed by the Virginia Department of Social Services that violate the rights of faith-based child welfare agencies, and will deny countless orphaned and vulnerable children the right to a permanent, loving family.

Proposed regulation 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) would require a Licensed Private Child Placing Agency to accept any individual who applies to become a foster or adoptive parent regardless of whether that individual shares the agency’s religious and moral beliefs.

Agencies that do not comply with this regulation would be in danger of losing their license. This violates the right to religious freedom. Furthermore, families currently have a choice regarding whether they prefer to use the state  or secular adoption agencies if they do not wish to be limited by the standards of the faith-based organization.

This regulation would forbid any religious organization, or any organization with family values, from being in the adoption business without violating their consciences.  That would be a violation of religious liberty.