Faith-based child placement agencies have a right, under federal and state law, to make decisions that are consistent with their religious beliefs, including their beliefs about marriage and family life. This right must be respected and preserved.
In Virginia, individual homosexuals can already adopt and there are public and private agencies that facilitate those adoptions. Adding discriminatory language to the regulations would not increase the number of children being adopted into homes, it would decrease it by forcing the majority of private child placement agencies to cease fulfilling their mission or violate their faith. This would not help children but place them at risk.
Furthermore, many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents hold these beliefs as well, and they have every right to work with agencies that share their values.
