Victory for Christian Mom in Adoption Case
A Christian mother can now start the adoption process after a recent ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. This decision allows her to continue her lawsuit against Oregon’s Department of Human Services.
Jessica Bates said the loss of her husband in a car accident in 2017 motivated her to become a foster parent to two children.
In her view, “The 9th Circuit decision supports freedom of speech and religion for Christian families looking to adopt or care for children in need.”
Bates encountered issues when the Oregon Department of Human Services required her to adhere to certain policies regarding “sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression” in fostering. She found this difficult, citing her Christian beliefs.
In a note to the department, she stated, “I can’t support this behavior in my child. I love them and accept them, but I won’t encourage them in this.” She felt that God has assigned specific genders.
After filing a lawsuit to defend her rights, a previous ruling in November had not favored her before she escalated the case to the 9th Circuit.
The court questioned whether her willingness to accept a child was enough to make them feel loved and supported, according to the ruling.
However, the recent ruling from the Court of Appeals allows her to initiate the adoption process while the legal issues unfold.
ADF Senior Attorney Jonathan Scruggs praised the court’s decision, arguing that it’s problematic to deem parents like Bates unsuitable because they don’t align with Oregon’s gender ideology.
“It’s dangerous and unnecessary to deprive children of a loving home,” Scruggs stated, emphasizing that the foster care system should prioritize the well-being of children, not state ideologies.
According to the ADF, the policies in Oregon restricted Bates from even adopting children who might share her religious beliefs.
Andrea Picciotti Bayer, director of the Conscience Project, complemented the ruling, expressing relief that “the sinister assault on Oregon’s most vulnerable children has finally been shut down.” She reiterated that the 9th Circuit’s decision upholds freedom of speech and religion for families wanting to foster or adopt.
