Virginia adoption agencies may follow religious standards
CWN - December 16, 2011
Private adoption agencies in Virginia will be allowed to select adoptive parents in accordance with their religious beliefs, under a policy finalized by the Virginia Board of Social Services this week.
The Board voted to approve a policy that allows agencies to distinguish among prospective parents on the basis of sexual orientation and marital status. The Virginia decision contrasts with the policies of other states such as Massachusetts, Illinois, and California, which have required all adoption agencies to provide equal treatment for same-sex couples.
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Posted by: frjpharrington3912 -
Dec. 17, 2011 11:42 PM ET USA
By allowing private adoption agencies to select parents in accordance with their relgious beliefs the Virginia Board of Social Services has affirmed the freedom to determine and practice one's religion is a fundamental and inviolable human right. Indeed it is the first right named in the U.S. Constitution, and since the purpose of government is to foster conditions which promote the common good of society the VBSS did just that by endorsing and encouraging the exercise of this right.
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Posted by: unum -
Dec. 17, 2011 10:20 AM ET USA
The Virginia Catholic Conference deserves a lot of credit for its work to educate the Virginia Board of Social Services about the negative effects of requiring all adoption agencies to provide equal treatment for same-sex couples. Virginia's children will benefit from their hard work.
