(1) On April 20, the State Board of Social Services correctly upheld the fundametnal right of faith-based child placement agencies to continue their good work of helping children and families without governmental intrusion into the practice of their faith.

(2) Faith-based child placement agencies have a right, under federal and state law, to make decisions that are consistent with their relgious beliefs, including their beliefs about marriage and family life.This right must be respected and preserved. These values in fact are consistent with the values that evolution has selected for (favored and blessed) over millions of years, i.e. a permanent bond between one man and one woman. 

(3) Many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these beliefs, and they have every right to work with agencies that share their values.

(4) Forcing agencies and indivicuals to choos between following their own values or following the proposed discriminatory regulation would be an unprecedented violation of religious freedom in Virginia. Religious libery is foundational to our Commonwealth and our country.

(5) Faith-based agencies provide vital services to our communities. They must be allowed to continue the important work they are doing.