Washington D.C., Jul 12, 2018 / 15:45 pm
The House Appropriations Committee moved to protect the conscience rights and religious freedom of faith-based adoption agencies on Wednesday.
The committee adopted an amendment to an upcoming funding bill that would preserve federal funding for agencies who do not want to place children with same-sex couples.
The amendment was introduced by Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL). In a statement published on his website, Aderholt said that the opioid epidemic has caused the number of foster care cases to "skyrocket," and that religious charities are needed to assist with this crisis.
However, "several states and localities across the country are not allowing religious organizations, such as Catholic Charities and Bethany Christian services, to operate child welfare agencies," due to their refusal to place children with same-sex couples, in accord with their religious beliefs.