Texas could legally deny non-Christians applications for adoption
A bill called ”Freedom to Serve Children Act” who could protect Texas adoption agencies from potential lawsuits if they deny non-Christian, gay, and unmarried applicants on religious grounds received a 94-51 late Tuesday vote on the House for preliminary approval .
Randy Daniels, vice-president of Buckner Child and Family Services, a Dallas-based child welfare organisation, said private child adoption agencies are worried that they can be overwalmed whit lawsuits for turning down parents.
”We want to make sure we can practice within the framework of our sincerely held religious beliefs,” said Daniels.
loading...
The agency accepts only Christian heterosexual couples who have been married for at least four years.
”These are our requirements, and we’re clear, this is just who we are. We want to make sure that groups like Buckner continue to have a place at the table because we bring solutions,” Daniels added.
Republican sponsors of Texas’ bill say it is designed to retain providers by shielding them from possible court fights.
”We want to make reasonable accommodations so everyone can participate in the system. Everyone is welcome. But you don’t have to think alike to participate,” said state Rep. James Frank.
Because the state’s child welfare system is overburdened, private firms receive state funding to handle the majority of adoptions, according to Patrick Crimmins, a spokesman for the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Megan Lestino, vice-president of public policy for the National Adoption Council, said denying LGBT and other possible applicants may be upsetting, but does not violate the law unless the state fails to present other options.
”Equal protection requires that there’s another option for every family. And there typically is some option for every family,” said Lestino.
loading...
But Rebecca Robertson, director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas the bill would be a violation of rights.
”If organizations are turning people away and those people are unable to be served that’s a violation. I know this bill would make that happen at multiple levels in this state welfare system,” she said.
Robertson also said the proposal violates the Constitution since it involves taxpayer dollars.
”When Texans come to the table, the government has to treat all Texans the same. This is state-sponsored discrimination”, she said.
Loading...