A new rule being proposed by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could force foster parents to accept gender ideology, which may go against one’s religious liberty.
HHS says the measure is needed to protect “LGBTQI+ youth” by providing “safe and appropriate placement.”
If the HHS rule were to be adopted, then Florida foster care systems would be barred from placing “LGBTQI+ identifying children with a parent who does not support a child’s ability to express their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Though families may apply for a religious exemption, Republicans opposing the rule say the HHS would most likely overrule their exemptions.
“Their (HHS) new proposed rule aims to exclude faith-based foster care providers from helping children in need,” said a group of Senate Republicans who signed a letter opposing the new change.
Republicans point out that HHS has no authority with this new proposal and that Congress gives states the authority to make determinations regarding foster care.
GOP lawmakers also believe the new proposal is dirtily targeting faith-based foster care organizations. If these groups refuse to comply, they may be prohibited from working to provide homes for children any longer.
In September, the HHS’ Administration for Children and Families proposed the “Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements for Titles IV-E and IV-B,” which would mandate foster families to accept the “self-identified gender identity” of any child in their care and must refer to children by their “chosen names” and “identified pronouns.” Those who do not comply with the could have their children “transferred” from their homes.
If the new rule by HHS is enacted, it could put more strain on meeting the goals of having young children cared for by foster parents, which experts say there is already a shortage of.
We are in a massive crisis,” says Serita Cox, CEO of the nonprofit iFoster. “And that crisis means that we have kids living in a casino or living in an office building or living in juvenile hall when they’ve done nothing.” There’s a critical shortage of foster homes,” said Cox.
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