VA board Allows Adoption Agencies to Discriminate Based on Sexual Orientation, Other Factors

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-board-to-address-regs-that-would-strip-protections-against-discrimination/2011/12/14/gIQAT3hYtO_story.html

RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia board has finalized rules that would allow state-licensed adoption agencies to discriminate against prospective adoptive and foster parents based on their sexual orientation, political beliefs and other personal characteristics.

After many speakers voiced support or opposition to the regulations, the Virginia Board of Social Services voted 5-1 at its regular meeting Wednesday to have them take effect May 1. Two members weren’t present for the vote.

The new rules, originally adopted in April, strip out protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, age, disability, gender, family status and political beliefs.

Board chairwoman Bela Sood noted before the decision that while society considers a mother and a father “a normal parenting unit,” scientific evidence doesn’t support some religious and conservative groups’ claims that they make better parents than same-sex couples do.