Va. legislators to consider gay adoption issue

RICHMOND

A battle over whether child-placement agencies should be allowed to discriminate against prospective parents and children based on their sexual orientation has moved to the General Assembly.

Sen. Adam Ebbin has introduced legislation that would bar Virginia from contracting with or funding agencies that discriminate against children or otherwise eligible prospective foster or adoptive parents solely on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Virginia Board of Social Services last month finalized regulations that remove protections against discrimination based on personal factors, including sexual orientation.

Sen. Jeffrey McWaters and Del. Todd Gilbert have introduced bills that would allow organizations to deny placement if doing so would go against their religious beliefs — including opposition to homosexuality.