couple inside Massachusetts She lost her parenting license because she refused to sign a policy agreeing not to discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth or to change her gender identity or sexual orientation.
The state Department of Children and Families (DCF) revoked the licenses of Lydia and Heath Marvin in April after they refused to sign a non-discrimination policy to protect youth. The couple has three teenage biological children and had been fostering eight children under the age of four since 2020.
“While we absolutely love, support and care for every child in our home, we cannot agree to go against our Christian beliefs in this area,” Lydia said recently. CBS Boston.
More than 30 percent of youth in foster care perceive that: LGBTQAccording to a 2019 study, + and 5% are transgender study 11.2 per cent and 1.17 per cent of young people are not in foster care, respectively, while receiving protection from children’s rights.
of DCF policy requires that “employees, foster parents, interns, volunteers, and others who interact with children and families must respect how individuals request identification and the terms individuals use to describe themselves.” This includes allowing foster youth to use restrooms and changing facilities consistent with their gender identity, allowing them to dress and style their hair in accordance with their gender identity, and allowing them to use names and pronouns.
The policy also specifically mandates that “foster parents and contracted service providers shall not attempt to persuade LGBTQIA+ children or youth to reject or modify their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.” This includes not contracting with “faith leaders who seek to change the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of children and young people.”
The ministry also supports young people seeking legal name change or gender change, as well as “medical and mental health services for children and young people provided in a culturally sensitive and affirming manner,” but respecting gender identity is not required.
of american medical association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, world medical association,and world health organization Everyone agrees that gender-affirming care is important. evidence based It is medically necessary for adults as well as minors. some the study They demonstrate that when young people socially transition and receive treatment for gender dysphoria, their depression and anxiety are reduced.
The Marvins said they are exploring legal options amid ongoing lawsuits from other potential foster parents who have refused to sign a non-discrimination policy. The parents represent the so-called “Union Defending Freedom,” dubbed the “Christian Law Army” by its founders, which has a long history of opposing civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people and has been labeled a hate group by the United Nations. Southern Poverty Law Center.
The group, which believes that “homosexual politics” destroys society, has played a pivotal role in several cases regarding abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights, including a Supreme Court case. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization; This not only overturned abortion rights nationally; Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado and 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenisexamined discrimination against LGBTQ+ customers based on religious views.
“The state has a duty to ensure that children are safe and well protected,” said Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Advocates. CBS. “And foster parents are not parents. Foster care is temporary. It’s a temporary gap to ensure children can safely return to their families.”
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
