Many licensed child-placing agencies profess deeply held convictions and religious beliefs regarding the institution of marriage, the family unit, and human sexuality. These agencies have the right, under federal and state law, to make determinations according to their convictions and beliefs. Just as importantly, many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these convictions and beliefs too, and they should certainly be able to work with agencies that share their values.
I am grateful for the State Board of Social Services' decisive 7-2 vote on April 20 to uphold the religious freedom of faith-based agencies, and am confident that the Board will continue to uphold religious liberty in the weeks, months and years to come.
