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VA makes it legal to discriminate against LGBT adoptions

Virginia's General Assembly is continuing its assault on LGBT rights. The Senate
passed a law Thursday legalizing discrimination by state-funded adoption
agencies. Opponents say this not only harms gay couples, but also LGBT youth in
the foster system. From Richmond, FSRN’s Brad Kutner reports.

In a 22 to 18 vote, the Virginia Senate joined the House in passing legislation that
brings a discriminatory adoption policy one step closer to law. The bill allows state-
funded adoption agencies to deny placement of foster kids, based on the beliefs of
the agency. James Parrish of Equality Virginia says passage not only makes it more
difficult for same-sex couples to adopt, but it also gives faith-based agencies the
ability to place LGBT foster kids in homes that could put them in psychologically
damaging situations. "This allows a faith based agency, who get a LGBT youth
through the foster care system, to place that youth in a harmful home. In a home
where they may be forced to go through ex-gay therapy, or conversion therapy.” If
passed, the bill would still adhere to federal adoption policies, which limits adoption
discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion, but not sexual
orientation. Governor Bob McDonnell has made his support of the policy quite clear,
and is expected to sign the bill into law. Brad Kutner, FSRN, Richmond.

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