Legislative secretaries sit in the House of Delegates chambers as they get an orientation at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Jan. 10, 2011. The 2012 session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday.
Virginia is seeking proposals from companies that may want to …
A pro-business legislative watchdog is generally happier with …
Updated: Friday, 03 Feb 2012, 1:20 PM EST
Published : Friday, 03 Feb 2012, 6:01 AM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia House of Delegates has passed legislation that would allow private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.
Without debate, the House voted 71-28 to pass the bill measure Friday. Earlier in the day, a Senate committee endorsed its version of the Republican-backed measure on an 8-7 party-line vote.
Republican Del. Todd Gilbert of Woodstock says his bill protects religious freedom. Opponents argue that the government, which contracts with dozens of private, state-licensed child placement agencies, should not sanction discrimination.
The Virginia Board of Social Services in December adopted regulations allowing discrimination by private agencies based on personal factors, including gender, age, religion disability, sexual orientation and family status. Gilbert's bill would convert those regulations into state law.
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. WAVY is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Advertisement
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single Page