(Richmond Times-Dispatch) The Virginia Senate on Tuesday approved the House of Delegates’ version of a bill that would allow faith-based adoption and foster-care organizations that use state funds to deny services to parents or children who do not share their religious beliefs.
Senators approved House Bill 189 by a vote of 22-18. Sens. Charles J. Colgan, D-Prince William, and Phillip P. Puckett, D-Russell, joined 20 Republicans in voting for the measure.
An identical Senate bill was scheduled for a vote in the House, but now that the House bill has cleared both chambers, at least one “conscience clause” bill will head to Gov. Bob McDonnell for consideration.
Federal law prohibits state-financed adoption agencies from denying services to prospective parents, or the children they assist, on the basis of race, color or national origin. In Virginia, single adults — gay or straight — and married couples can adopt, but not gay couples.
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