To Whom It May Concern:

     I am writing to oppose the impending legisation of 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) which would limit rights of faith based child welfare agencies, incuding adoption agencies.  These religious agencies have been uniting needy children with forever families for many years, and thus have provided needy and orphaned children with loving and supportive family environments.  Limiting the Constitutional right to exercise religious freedom in selection of employees and consumers to work with agencies and through programs whom have similiar life philosophies and goals will limit the opportunity for needy and orphaned children to grow up to become productive and contributing members of our society.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope you will oppose such a bill.  We will be watching this issue closely.

Rebecca West