Virginia's New Adoption Bill Viewed as Discriminatory

A bill that just went through the Virginia Senate this month may spark debate across the state. If the bill is approved and signed into law, it will seriously affect adoptions. Known as the "conscience clause" bill, or SB 349, it states that adoption agencies with religious affiliations would be allowed to reject certain parents whose religious beliefs did not coincide with the agencies' own beliefs. Those that are protesting the bill say that it is aimed primarily at gay and lesbian parents that are trying to adopt children.

Under the new bill, these agencies would be allowed to turn away otherwise qualified parents based on their sexual preferences. Virginia law currently states that any adoption agency is allowed to place a child with a gay couple. However, any couple that is unmarried, whether straight or gay, is prohibited from adopting a child in the state. If you have questions about adoption, know that our law firm handles step-parent adoption cases and would be happy to address your concerns. To enlist our help, contact the Law Office of Michael Young now and set up a time to speak with a Riverside family law attorney.