TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Congressional Republicans from Kansas have rejected a request from the delegations lone Democrat that they join her in opposing a federal policy that allows faith-based adoption agencies to get taxpayer funding even if they turn away same-sex couples.
Rep. Sharice Davids sent a letter Tuesday asking GOP colleagues to use their relationships with President Donald Trump to help reverse the policy. It rolls back a regulation from former President Barak Obamas term barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Davids is among nine LGBTQ members of Congress.
As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I cannot overstate the material harm this proposed rule would do. Preventing qualified, capable, and loving parents from fostering or adopting children in need of a home based on the parents sexual orientation or gender identity is cruel and baseless, Davids wrote.
Reps. Roger Marshall, Steve Watkins and Ron Estes issued a joint response supporting the Trump administrations decision.
The Trump administration is right to protect religious freedom and this rule is good news for Kansas children in foster care because it will allow more providers to participate in the system, rather than exclude providers based on deeply held religious beliefs, they wrote.
Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts also issued separate statements in support of the Trump administration proposal, contending the change prevents discrimination against faith-based groups.
