If they are found in violation,
Though
Now,
“”Social intervention such as adoption laws and practices inevitably reflect their communities,”” said
But
“”We think we’re a good partner with the state,”” Gilligan said. “”If they see we are not, we will sit down and talk with them and we will continue to try providing these services as long as we can. We’re not going to violate our religious teachings.””
Though the civil unions legislation factors into the inquiry, the issue came to light months earlier when
The policy reflects the conservative doctrine and teaching of the
Officials at several of the religious agencies at the center of the state’s investigation argue that they are shielded by an executive order signed by President
“”It is our policy and practice to place children in need of adoption or foster care in evangelical Christian homes,”” Withrow said. “”A faith-based agency doesn’t have to become a secular agency to receive government funds. … There are federal laws on the books affirmed by three administrations.””
Gilligan points to language added to the Illinois Human Rights Act five years ago that exempts sectarian places of accommodation from anti-discrimination laws.
“”A sectarian adoption agency is probably exempt from some of the potential discriminatory provisions in the Illinois Human Rights Act,”” he said. “”We’re not subject to some of the issues, in this case … same-sex orientation.””
Gilligan said openly gay foster parents have the option of applying for licenses from 57 other private child welfare agencies or directly from DCFS. In fact, Marlowe said the issue probably hasn’t emerged until now because many openly gay candidates intentionally have chosen agencies that don’t have restrictive policies instead of filing complaints.
Child welfare experts counter that the best interests of foster children trump any arguments of religious freedom. Limiting the pool of prospective foster care parents because certain religious traditions believe same-sex relationships are sinful is irresponsible when children are in need, said
“”We don’t know for sure if a loving lesbian or gay family turned away from a discriminatory agency is necessarily going to go to another agency because of the disruption and harm caused to them,”” he said.
Child welfare advocates also worry that the restrictive policies might send a hurtful message to the large number of children in the foster care system who landed there after suffering neglect, abuse or rejection because they were gay. Marlowe said 240 children in the foster care system currently identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning.
Experts say foster children should be placed with a relative whenever possible. If that relative is gay, a religious agency may insist on referring them to a new agency, severing the child’s relationship with a caseworker.
“”To communicate to that kid that … you have to change caseworkers in order to get the services you need is a very bad message,”” Wolf said. “”The other thing we’re saying to the sub-population of kids that are gay and lesbian is ‘Once you grow up you can never be a foster parent in our agency’ — another troubling message.””
A study by the
“”I don’t think you can underscore the damage done by a disruption,”” said
Religious agencies in
Gilligan said he does not foresee
“”We’re trying to develop our strategies for how we respond to this situation,”” said
“”These gray areas are one of the most difficult places for anyone in the church to work because it’s hard to see your way through it,”” she said. “”We do have an obligation as a church body to help them through this and help them sort it out and find a solution that is mutually acceptable.””