Massachusetts Couple’s Foster License Revoked Over Gender Identity Dispute
A couple from Woburn, Massachusetts, claims that their foster care license was revoked because they declined to sign a state contract that required them to “affirm” their child’s gender identity, citing their Christian beliefs.
Lydia and Heath Marvin, who have three teenagers and have fostered eight children under four since 2020, including a baby with special medical needs, felt compelled to enter foster care as a way to support those in need, something they view as integral to their faith.
However, their situation took a turn in August 2024 when they received a new parental consent form that mandated support and affirmation of the LGBTQIA+ identities of the kids in their care. The couple sought an exemption based on their beliefs, expressing that they could still provide love and care for all children.
Lydia Marvin explained, “We would love and support any child, but this request contradicts our Christian faith.” They were ultimately told that signing the paperwork was non-negotiable, leading to the loss of their license in April.
The Marvins had recently completed training for another special needs child when they learned they were no longer approved by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to foster.
The couple appealed the decision, but as of September, the state upheld the revocation. The Department of Children and Families reportedly recruits foster parents based on their willingness to support LGBTQIA+ children, which has prompted challenges from families of faith who feel this infringes on their beliefs.
At least two other Christian foster families are also contesting this policy in court. The Alliance Defending Freedom is representing these families, claiming the policy breaches constitutional rights. They, too, refused to sign gender contracts and had their licenses revoked.
Historically, Massachusetts did not require foster parents to affirm a child’s gender identity verbally. However, changes were implemented between 2023 and 2024, where consent forms became necessary for certain actions concerning a child’s identity.
Hal Frampton from the ADF pointed out that these policies may actually harm vulnerable children by excluding families who wish to provide loving homes. He stated, “This hurts children more than anything. Every child deserves a loving home, and children suffer when the government excludes people of faith.”
They argue this policy deepens the ongoing shortage of foster parents, preventing many children from finding suitable homes. The Trump administration has expressed interest in the Marvins’ lawsuit, with a letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services labeling the state’s policy “alarming” and unconstitutional, citing violations of First Amendment rights.
An official from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families did not provide a comment when approached for further clarification.
