We are parents and grandparents active in both Church and community organizations and are writing to express our opposition to the proposed Virginia Social Services regulation 22 VAC 40-131-170 (B).  The proposed changes 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 and values. Faith based agencies that do not comply would be in danger of losing their license. 

Faith based agencies serve the welfare of the children and families requiring their services but at the same time are interested in ensuring that the adoptive families they provide have values that are consistent with their moral and religious standards. The proposed changes would clearly discriminate against faith based adoptive agencies and are a clear violation of the First Amendment provision that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

We appreciate your efforts to guard against such needless discrimination.

Sincerely,

Dr. and Mrs. James Todd

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