Georgia moved one step closer on Tuesday to passing legislation allowing adoption and foster care agencies to turn away same-sex couples.
Senate Bill 375, also known as the Keep Faith in Adoption and Foster Care Act, would permit agencies across the state to deny placement to LGBTQ families if doing so would conflict with their sincerely held religious beliefs. It also prevents the state government from taking any “adverse action” against service providers which discriminate in the name of faith.
Republican Sen. William Ligon, who introduced SB 375 earlier this month, claimed that taking action to preserve the rights of religious people is necessary to prevent foster care and adoption agencies from shutting down in fear of being forced to service same-sex couples. He also claimed that by preventing the closure of faith-based centers, it would lead to more adoptions overall.
During debate in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, Democratic Sen. Elena Parent took issue with that characterization—claiming it would discourage many couples from adopting in fear they could be discriminated against.
“It seems like [SB 375 is] dealing with problems that do not exist, although it might make people feel better,” the Atlanta lawmaker claimed.
“It’s not a matter of feeling,” Ligon responded.
The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday along party lines: Five Republicans voted in favor of the bill and two Democrats voted against. Supporters of the bill include Sen. Greg Kirk, author of a sweeping “religious freedom” bill vetoed by Gov. Nathan Deal two years ago, and Sen. Josh McKoon, a major booster of that failed legislation.
Read the full story at IntoMore
