On April 20, the State Board of Social Services correctly upheld the fundamental right of faith-based child placement agencies to continue their great work of helping children and families without governmental intrusion into the practice of their faith.
Fai Faith-based child placement agencies have a right, under federal and state law, to make decisions that are consistent with their religious beliefs, including their beliefs about marriage and family life. This right must be respected and preserved.
· Many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these beliefs as well, and they have every right to work with agencies that share their values.
· Forcing agencies and individuals to choose between following their own values or following the proposed discriminatory regulation would be an unprecedented violation of religious freedom in
· Faith-based agencies provide vital services to our communities. They must be allowed to continue the great work they are doing.