I am writing on behalf of Family Life Services Infant Adoption Agency which is a faith based adoption service provider. Our agency is opposed to the Proposed Virginia Administrative Code section 22VAC 40-131-170, which would add the following language to the “Program Statement” section of the Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies:

B.            The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or family status to :

                1. Delay or deny a child’s placement; or

                2. Deny an individual the opportunity to apply to become a foster or adoptive parent.

We urge DSS to reject this proposed regulation or alter the wording to protect private faith-based organizations.   We do not support the wording: “sexual orientation or family status”. There is no justification for requiring private entities to act in a manner contrary to their beliefs.