To Whom It May Concern:

As an adoptive parent, who adopted in Virginia, I believe the Proposed Virginia Administrative Code section 22 VAC 40-131-170 is bad policy and actually goes against the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution.  The proposal will force Christian adoption agencies to go against their religious beliefs and standards and may even force many wonderful, dynamic agencies to close their doors and services, which then would cause more problems with prolonged adoptions.  

Please do NOT approve or adopt this policy!  There are plenty of adoption agencies that will cater to those individuals and couples with certain beliefs and practices that Christian agencies are not able to.  New agencies can also be started to address their concerns.

Thank you,

Daniel Gilbert, Ph.D.