House passes Senate gay adoption bill

RICHMOND, Va. - A last-ditch effort to soften legislation allowing private adoption agencies to discriminate based on sexual orientation has failed in the Virginia House of Delegates.

The House voted 71-28 Wednesday to pass the Senate version of the bill, which would allow private agencies to deny placements that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality. The House version already has cleared both chambers and awaits Gov. Bob McDonnell's signature.

Before passing Sen. Jeffrey McWaters' so-called "conscience clause" bill, the House rejected two amendments offered by Democratic opponents. One would have prohibited placing gay children with parents who intend to try to change their sexual orientation. The other would have required that the agencies' moral or religious policies be written.