Anti-LGBTQ Policy Changes Eyed in Kansas Following Spike in Adoption Needs

By Kelly Frazier --
18 Nov 2018 --

There are over 120,000 children in foster care awaiting adoption.

The Governor-elect of Kansas is looking to change the policies in place for adoptions in the state, which are considered anti-gay.[/tweetit] Laura Kelly has not yet officially taken office, but she is looking to step right into the action with regards to a growing problem in Kansas. Namely, she wants to change a policy allowing adoption agencies to refuse to place children in homes that do not have a mother and a father.

Anti-LGBTQ Policy Changes Eyed in Kansas Following Spike in Adoption Needs[/tweetthis]

This policy is largely seen as a direct anti-gay measure, effectively preventing any gay or lesbian couples from adopting children because they do not meet the standards of the typical family. Specifically, the law governing the policy states that Kansas cannot force an adoption agency to place any kids in homes that are not aligned with the religious beliefs of that agency.

During a news conference, Kelly states "If there is way to direct the agency not to implement that, then I will do that." Moreover, the future governor plans to be proactive in implementing new measures that would prevent anti-LGBTQ bias for the hiring of state workers that was put into place by former Governor Brownback.

Aside from the bias that is inherent in the policies of some of the adoption agencies in placing children in homes that align with their religious beliefs, there are other issues at stake in Kansas. Right now, the state is facing a growing crisis with regards to foster children who are awaiting adoption. Presently, there are over 120,000 children in the foster care system waiting for adoptions and more coming every year. The problem is related to many things, but the opioid crisis that is gripping America is having a more profound influence every year.

Laura Kelly is also going to try to block a bill passed by the state legislature that would allow adoption agencies to refuse placing children with LGBTQ couples! I'm so proud to have her as my governor!
— Eric Baker ? (@mouse_clicker) November 9, 2018

Although the Governor-elect does have plans to undo some of the adoption policies and protections for religious groups, the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, Chuck Weber, believes the law will stand. They were designed to resist constitutional challenges and could be more difficult to remove than the incoming governor would like to admit.

The bottom line is, there are a lot of children that need homes both short term and long term. Perhaps even if there is not a direct change to the laws and policies, there could be a means of ensuring that children have homes despite the orientation of their parents.