I am writing to express my strong opposition to any measure that penalizes religious organizations, which historically have been given freedom in this country to act in accordance with their beliefs, for maintaining specific requirements for adoptive parents.

Adoption agencies that have been run by religious organizations, for example Catholic agencies, believe that children are best raised in households that include a married mother and father. They act in THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD, not the adoptive parents. This proposed regulation does the opposite -- it's only meant to accommodate the agenda of a special interest group. This sets a dangerous precedent and is not at all in keeping with the values expressed in the Constitution.