Please prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation when placing children with foster or adoptive families.  The best interests of the child should be the sole factor in deciding whether a child should be placed with a prospective foster care or adoptive parent or parents. State-licensed child placing agencies should not be allowed to discriminate against children or prospective parents based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and family status.  There has been overwhelming evidence that same-sex couples create healthy families just as often as straight families.  Children should not be denied access to a healthy family simply because of the religious views of some citizens.  All people should be examined equally through the home-study process.
 

The State Board of Social Services should restore to the final rules the protections against such discrimination included in the proposed rules.

Thank you, 

Julia Weed