A Woburn, Massachusetts, couple had their foster care license revoked after they refused to sign Department of Children and Families (DCF) forms requesting gender-affirming care support for LGBTQ youth.
Lydia Marvin and Heath Marvin, whose licenses were revoked in April 2025, had been caring for eight children under the age of four since 2020. The couple said their religious beliefs prevented them from having a “safe, positive, secure experience.” environment free of discriminationTo LGBTQ children.
“We asked if we needed any accommodations, could you waive this completely?” Lydia told CBS Boston.. “We cannot agree to anything that goes against the Christian faith in this area.”
Marvins sued to have his license revoked, but lost. They are now considering joining the federal lawsuit. The federal lawsuit also now includes two other fundamentalist Christian foster families represented by the Massachusetts Family Institute and the Alliance Defending Freedom in lawsuits against DCF.
“This case has not only a speech element, but also a religious freedom element,” said Sam Whiting, an attorney with the Massachusetts Family Institute.
The Trump administration weighed in on the issue, citing the Marvins’ case and criticizing DCF’s gender-affirming policy requirements.
“These policies and developments are deeply disturbing, clearly contradict the purpose of child welfare programs, and are in direct violation of First Amendment protections.” Andrew Gladisonthe acting assistant secretary of the Department of Children and Families, condemned the policy in a letter.
While conservative groups and federal officials have criticized gender-affirming policies, ensuring protection for LGBTQ youth in the U.S. foster care system remains a key priority for advocates.
Research shows that youth in the U.S. foster care system are more likely than other youth to identify as LGBTQ. 2019 survey by children’s rights We found that 30.4% of foster youth identify as LGBTQ and 5% identify as transgender. This compared to 11.2% and 1.17%, respectively, for youth not in foster care.
The report says LGBTQ youth in foster care face significant challenges, including placement instability, limited access to supportive adult relationships, and a higher likelihood of discrimination from caseworkers, program staff, and foster parents. Global Health Justice Partnership.
a Children and Youth Services Reviews article It noted that foster families “can have a significant impact on a youth’s sense of permanence and safety in care.”
“I thought if I could talk to them about my feelings and my boyfriend and all that, there was probably nothing I couldn’t be open about,” said one former foster youth.
Research consistently links supportive behaviors by parents and caregivers to increased self-esteem, stronger relationships, and lower suicide risk for LGBTQ youth. According to trevor projectsuch actions include welcoming your child’s LGBTQ friends and partners, speaking respectfully about their identities, and openly participating in conversations about LGBTQ issues.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
