I write in support of 22 VAC 40-131-170B as approved by the State Board of Social Services on April 20.

Faith-based child-placement agencies should not be forced to choose between upholding the tenets of their Faith and following the law.

Our country and our commonwealth have long held sacred our freedoms of religion and conscience. The Board's April 20 decision supports this bedrock freedom that is so crucial to our society.

Over 80 percent of adoptions in Virginia are facilitated by faith-based agencies with missions to serve the people of Virginia in accord with their beliefs. Don't allow these agencies to be crippled by political agendas at the expense of the children, birth mothers and adoptive parents who have come to depend on their excellent services.

Please keep 22 VAC 40-131-170B the way it stands.