As a long time attorney in Virginia I have seen time and time again instances where religious based discrimination has thwarted the best interests of children and subverted the interests of fairness.  Virginia should not perpetuate this bias by allowing agenmcies receive state funds to discriminate against tax paying Virginians simply because of religious based prejudice.

Agencies receiving state funds to provide adoption and foster care services should not be allowed to discriminate against hard working citizens who could provide loving homes for children in need of stability and a loving home.  If such agencies want to discriminate, then they need stop receiving state funds or perhaps better yet, get out of the adoption/foster care business all together.

It saddens me that in this day and age the best interests of children are still being sacrificed to appease the sensibilities of bigots no matter how well intentioned they may believe they are.  I urge you to NOT allow discrimination against adoptive and foster parents based on sexual orientation, marital status or religious belief or non-belief.

Michael B. Hamar - 520 W. 21st Street, Suite J, Norfolk, Virginia 23517 - 757-622-2008