Two Vermont families have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Children and Families alleging discrimination based on their religious beliefs.The Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that makes legal arguments on religious grounds, is alleging Vermont's foster parent qualifications are unconstitutional.Two families from Windham County are now suing the state Department of Children and Families after having their foster parent licenses revoked.The couples were both on track to renew their licenses when they were met with questions on whether their family could support and accept an LGBTQ+ foster child.The attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom alleges that a Vermont DCF policy, which protects LGBTQ+ youth, violates the families' religious freedoms and robbed them of their desire to expand their family."They explained that they wanted to adopt this child and care for this child, but they couldn't agree to say or do anything that went against their religious beliefs. In response, Vermont told them they were no longer eligible to care for this child and revoked their license," said Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom.Now, the department and organizations like Outright Vermont are speaking out."We want to make sure that kids in foster care are placed in homes that support all aspects of what makes them who they are. And that sometimes includes their sexual orientation or their gender identity," said Chris Winters, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Children & Families. Last year, new federal regulations granted LGBTQ+ youth 14 years of age and older the right to request gender-affirming homes.Outright Vermont called the move a step in the right direction in promoting a culture of care."It just seems so obvious to me that the role of families and caregivers is to provide unconditional love and support for young people," said Amanda Rohdenburg, the Associate Director at Outright Vermont. Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Jared Carter said this case is a test, questioning just how far the protections of the First Amendment really go. "Ultimately what this case really does... is asking a court to essentially say discrimination against people and individuals who have historically been discriminated against is OK," he said. Commissioner Winters reiterated that lawsuit aside, one thing remains clear. "By ensuring the foster parents can be affirming of the children and youth in their care and provide unconditional love and support, we can improve outcomes for that group of kids. That's our priority," said Winters.Outright Vermont warns that there is a safety component to consider; they're calling on DCF to avoid placing LGBTQ+ youth in foster homes where they cannot be their most authentic selves.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. —
Two Vermont families have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Children and Families alleging discrimination based on their religious beliefs.
The Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that makes legal arguments on religious grounds, is alleging Vermont's foster parent qualifications are unconstitutional.
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Two families from Windham County are now suing the state Department of Children and Families after having their foster parent licenses revoked.
The couples were both on track to renew their licenses when they were met with questions on whether their family could support and accept an LGBTQ+ foster child.
The attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom alleges that a Vermont DCF policy, which protects LGBTQ+ youth, violates the families' religious freedoms and robbed them of their desire to expand their family.
"They explained that they wanted to adopt this child and care for this child, but they couldn't agree to say or do anything that went against their religious beliefs. In response, Vermont told them they were no longer eligible to care for this child and revoked their license," said Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom.
Now, the department and organizations like Outright Vermont are speaking out.
"We want to make sure that kids in foster care are placed in homes that support all aspects of what makes them who they are. And that sometimes includes their sexual orientation or their gender identity," said Chris Winters, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Children & Families.
Last year, new federal regulations granted LGBTQ+ youth 14 years of age and older the right to request gender-affirming homes.
Outright Vermont called the move a step in the right direction in promoting a culture of care.
"It just seems so obvious to me that the role of families and caregivers is to provide unconditional love and support for young people," said Amanda Rohdenburg, the Associate Director at Outright Vermont.
Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Jared Carter said this case is a test, questioning just how far the protections of the First Amendment really go.
"Ultimately what this case really does... is asking a court to essentially say discrimination against people and individuals who have historically been discriminated against is OK," he said.
Commissioner Winters reiterated that lawsuit aside, one thing remains clear.
"By ensuring the foster parents can be affirming of the children and youth in their care and provide unconditional love and support, we can improve outcomes for that group of kids. That's our priority," said Winters.
Outright Vermont warns that there is a safety component to consider; they're calling on DCF to avoid placing LGBTQ+ youth in foster homes where they cannot be their most authentic selves.
