Montana governor signs law shielding faith-based foster families from discrimination

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed legislation May 1 that protects families and faith-based adoption and foster care providers from government discrimination based on their religious or moral beliefs.

The new law, HB 655, ensures that individuals and organizations with faith-based convictions about human sexuality can continue offering homes to children in need without fear of exclusion by state or local officials, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) reported.

“Every child deserves a loving home that can provide them stability and opportunities to grow,” ADF Senior Counsel Greg Chafuen said. “The sad reality is that in some states, the government can discriminate against people of faith, allowing vulnerable children to suffer.”

Chafuen commended Montana lawmakers and pro-family advocates for their leadership in passing the bill. 

“Montana has taken critical steps to prioritize the well-being of kids by prohibiting state and local government officials from discriminating against adoption and foster care providers and parents simply because of their religious beliefs and moral convictions,” he said.

He added that protecting religious liberty in the foster care system expands the pool of families and organizations available to serve vulnerable children.

Read More…