The Alabama House sends a bill protecting the right of religious organizations to handle adoptions according to their religious teachings on marriage and family. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk after the 87-0 vote (with 6 abstentions).
The bill by Rep. Rich Wingo, R-Tuscaloosa, says the state could not refuse to license adoption agencies because of policies that adhere to their faith.
“Around the country there are other states that have required faith-based agencies to place children in homes, foster or adoption, to place children in homes that go against their religious beliefs,” Wingo said.
“These faith-based agencies have been forced to close their doors because they refuse to place children in homes that go against their faith.”
Wingo said that has not happened in Alabama but wanted the law in place to prevent it. Wingo said about 30 percent of the placement agencies in the state are faith-based.
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