The House of Delegates today passed its version of the "conscience clause" bill, which protects a private adoption agency's right to refuse placement based on religious beliefs.
House Bill 189, sponsored by Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, passed, 71-28.
"This law has one purpose, which is to protect the ability of religious groups receiving millions of dollars of taxpayer money to deny adoption and foster care placements involving gay and lesbian parents" said Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria. "This isn't a 'conscience clause' -- it's a 'state-sponsored discrimination clause.' "
But Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia said the legislation "allows these important agencies to continue doing the vital work they've been doing for decades. Despite claims of opponents, this legislation does not change who can adopt children in Virginia. The law is already clear on that issue. This simply protects those agencies that do the bulk of the child placement work."
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