THIS IS RIDICULOUS: Oregon Blocks Mom From Adopting Children Because of Her Christian Faith.
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing an Oregon mother of five who wishes to adopt siblings from foster care will be available for media interviews following oral arguments Tuesday at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in Bates v. Pakseresht.
Jessica Bates is challenging an Oregon Department of Human Services rule that categorically excludes her from adopting any child—no matter their age or beliefs—because she would not violate her religious beliefs to promote Oregon’s radical gender ideology. Bates is asking the 9th Circuit to allow her to obtain her certification, free of discrimination, while her lawsuit continues so that she can eventually provide a loving home to children in need.
“Jessica is a loving mother who wants to open her home to children in need right now, but Oregon officials are excluding her and countless other families because of their religious beliefs about sexual ethics and the human body,” said ADF Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs, who will be arguing before the court on behalf of Bates. “Because these caregivers cannot promote Oregon’s dangerous gender ideology to young kids, the state considers them to be unfit parents. That’s false and harmful, needlessly depriving these kids of opportunities to find a loving home. We are urging the 9th Circuit to remind Oregon that the foster and adoption system is supposed to serve the best interests of children, not the state’s ideological crusade.”