I am opposed to the proposed regulation 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) which 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 regulation is a clear violation of the Constitutional right to the free exercise of religion and is an attempt to elevate the rights of one group of citizens at the expense of another. What’s worse is that countless children in Virginia and around the world will be denied their fundamental right to a family if it is allowed to become law.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a long and proud tradition of citizens of faith working together to care for and protect children. In fact, a significant number of children who are adopted today are adopted with the help of faith-based organizations. These groups have been successful at protecting children and providing them with permanent, loving homes because of their tireless advocacy on behalf of children. The proposed regulation, however, would forever silence one of the strongest voices for children in the Commonwealth.

Please, protect the right of faith-based organizations to continue to serve children by opposing this regulation.