A couple of Vermont foster parents are suing the state for discrimination after their licenses were revoked. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing two couples against the Department of Child and Families, claiming the state’s requirements are unconstitutional. The two families, from Wyndham County, were set to renew their foster care licenses when they received questions about whether they could support and accept an LGBTQ+ foster child. “They explained that they wanted to adopt this child and care for this child, but they couldn’t agree to say or do anything that went against their religious beliefs. In response, Vermont told them they were no longer eligible to care for this child and revoked their license,” said Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse of the ADF. Neither family was caring for a child that identified as trans or homosexual at the time. Widmalm-Delphonse said the policy crippled an already buckling system. “Vermont’s foster-care system is in crisis: There aren’t enough families to care for vulnerable kids, and children born with drug dependencies have nowhere to call home. Yet Vermont is putting its ideological agenda ahead of the needs of these suffering kids.”

Vermont policies require that parents use proper pronouns and take children to events that celebrate their gender and sexual identities even if they are uncomfortable. Both couples, Pastor Brian Wuoti, and his wife, Katy; and Pastor Bryan Gantt along with his wife, Rebecca, are Christians. They have also adopted children previously through the foster care system.
“The Wuoti and Gantt families have adopted five beautiful children between them, including children with special needs. Now Vermont says they’re unfit to parent any child because of their traditional religious beliefs about human sexuality. Vermont seems to care little about the needs of vulnerable children, much less the constitutional rights of its citizens. That’s why we’re suing them in federal court,” said Widmalm-Delphonse.

The lawsuit will seek for the policy to no longer be enforced due to being a violation of the couples’ First Amendment rights.  Aryka Radke, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division, defended the policy. “With the understanding that many children may not have fully figured out their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, an honestly answered question today may not reflect the honest feelings of those same children the next day,” Radke added. “That given, it is our responsibility to ensure all children and youth will reside in a home with caregivers who are committed to fully embracing and holistically affirming and supporting them.”