Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes private adoption agencies to deny services based on religious or moral beliefs, effective July 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a private child-placing agency to not participate in, or assist with, a proposed placement of a child or the licensure of a family foster home if the placement or licensure would violate the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the Department of Children and Families from denying an application for, denying a renewal of, or revoking a license of a private child placing agency, family foster home, or affiliated facility, due to a refusal to participate in an adoption process that violates the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the state or local government from withholding a grant or contract from, or denying participation in a government program to, a private child placing agency, family foster home, or affiliated facility, due to a refusal to participate in an adoption process that violates the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a private child-placing agency’s refusal to participate in an adoption process that violates the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies does not constitute discrimination or provide the basis for a claim of injunctive relief or punitive damages (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text