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.

While I believe everyone has the ultimate choice as to their personal beliefs, so does every private agency. The moral and personal stand that private agencies and non-profit organizations stand for are sanctioned, as are those stands made by private citizens, by the Constitution of the United States. We have a freedom to exercise our faith in this country. This regulation is unconstitutional because it hinders a specific group from practicing their religious beliefs. These private citizens join together to create a private agency to uphold those religious values in areas that they are concerned about - adoption, abortion, healthcare, etc.

When faith-based, private organizations are told what they can and cannot do, then their religious freedoms are stifled. Religious groups should not be hindered because other groups do not agree with them. Across the board America seems to be calling out for more tollerance, but when will tollerance mean that we agree to disagree and accept our differences rather than pushing our oposers to conform to our ways?