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ACLU says Michigan can’t pay adoption agencies that reject same-sex couples

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Michigan is facing a new lawsuit over same-sex couple adoptions.  The ACLU says the state can’t let adoption agencies that take public money turn away same-sex couples.

The lawsuit says Michigan can’t allow faith-based agencies that take public money to reject same-sex married couples who want to adopt or take in foster children. The federal lawsuit says that violates the couples’ First Amendment and equal protection rights.

ACLU attorney Leslie Cooper says it’s also bad for kids, especially since there are more displaced children in Michigan than families ready to take them in.

“By allowing this, the state is making it even harder for children to find loving homes.”

Jay Kaplan is an ACLU attorney. He says the policy is also bad for kids waiting to be adopted.

“Allowing agencies to discriminate could be the difference between a child finding a permanent, loving home and remaining in the system. Michigan’s child welfare services must put child welfare first.” 

Kristy Dumont and her wife say they were turned away by two Catholic adoption agencies when they tried to adopt.

“I mean, they didn’t even know us, and they made the decision solely based on who we are married to. There are so many couples out there like us who want to provide a home for these children, and are being told no. The worst part is they are denying these kids the chance to be placed in permanent, loving families.”   

A 2015 state law adopted following the US Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage decision allowed faith-based social services agencies to continue operating without violating their religious principles. But the law also says that doesn’t apply to adoption placements.