With the state of Michigan embroiled in a lawsuit over new adoption rules, one faith-based adoption agency says it will comply with new requirements to place children with LGBTQ couples.
The lawsuit was filed after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the state would stop contracting with adoption and foster care agencies that don’t place children with LGBTQ couples.
Now a spokesperson for Bethany Christian Services says they’re disappointed with the rule but will follow it. Bethany has nine offices across the state including in Traverse City and Flint.
Last year the agency accounted for roughly 15% of Michigan’s foster placements.
The spokesperson said Bethany will place children with LGBTQ families in Michigan, but the change would not be reflected at agencies outside the state.
State officials said they are pleased the department will “be able to continue its long-standing partnership with Bethany.”
The pending lawsuit was filed by another agency, St. Vincent Catholic Charities. That litigation is continuing forward.