Christian Mom Sues State of Oregon, Claiming they Rejected her Adoption Application because of her Christian Beliefs

December 27, 2023

Oregon woman Jessica Bates, a Christian mom, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Oregon for religious discrimination, alleging that her Christian beliefs have led to her being barred from adopting foster children.

Bates, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), is challenging Oregon’s decision, which she claims is based on her views regarding human sexuality and “gender identity.”

Bates, a widow and mother of five, began the adoption process in March 2022, inspired by her faith and a desire to adopt a sibling pair from the foster system. Her application, however, was denied by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

UNREAL. Oregon state reportedly denied a Christian woman to be a foster mother because she believes boys and girls are different. The State said she’s unfit to adopt because she wouldn’t assist a child in a gender transition and use preferred pronouns.

Source:… pic.twitter.com/IKIAetGLdS
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 26, 2023

The department’s regulation requires potential adoptive families to “accept” and “support” the sexual orientation and gender identity of any child placed in their home. This includes using preferred pronouns, attending events like “Pride” parades, and agreeing to medical interventions such as puberty blockers and hormone shots for the child, regardless of the caregiver’s religious convictions.

Bates expressed her willingness to care for any child but could not agree to actions and beliefs that contradicted her Christian faith. As a result, her application was rejected. ADF, in the complaint, argues that Oregon’s policy infringes upon Bates’ First Amendment rights, including free speech, assembly, and free association, by forcing her to adopt beliefs and practices against her faith. They also contend that the policy violates Bates’ right to the free exercise of her religion and her Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.

In April, Bates filed a lawsuit in federal district court to challenge the Department of Human Services’ actions. The case, Bates v. Pakseresht, went to oral arguments in August.

However, in November, the federal district court ruled against Bates, leading her to file a notice of appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The case continues to garner attention, and further updates are anticipated as it progresses through the legal system.

Photo, top: Janet Bates | Source: ADFLegal.org

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