A Christian mother of five in Oregon asserts that her gender-related religious convictions prevented her from adopting two siblings within her state. She is currently turning to the legal system to defend her First Amendment entitlements.
During an interview with "Fox & Friends First" on Wednesday, Jessica Bates stated that she had advanced several months into the adoption procedure and had already accomplished a segment of the training when the obstacle emerged.
"[I] reported to my certifier because they really emphasized the sexual orientation and gender identity training, that you have to support it," she said. "I emailed her and told her I couldn't do that because of my faith, and then we had a phone call and, because I wouldn't take a child for cross-sex hormone injections, I was basically told that I'm ineligible to adopt in the state of Oregon."
Oregon's Department of Human Services mandates that prospective parents who wish to adopt must adhere to the state's adoption application. The parents must "respect, accept and support… the sexual orientation, gender identity, [and] gender expression" of children."
Alliance Defending Freedom's senior counsel, Christina Kiefer, alleges that the state's actions demonstrate a preference for "ideology and politics over children."
"It [the state] says that it welcomes people from all cultural and religious backgrounds to adopt unless they disagree with the state's gender ideology," she told host Ashley Strohmier. "Barring Jessica and other parents from adopting just because of their religious convictions clearly violates the First Amendment. It's wrong, and it hurts children who need a forever home…"
According to the lawsuit submitted on Monday, the Resource and Adoptive Family (RAFT) training that Bates participated in encouraged prospective parents to use a child's favored pronouns, take them to celebratory events such as Pride parades or enroll them in precarious medicinal interventions like puberty blockers and hormone injections.
Furthermore, the document outlined that Bates was motivated to pursue adoption after listening to a radio broadcast about a man who had adopted children. Despite her husband's passing and the responsibility of raising five children on her own, Bates considered assisting children in need as her Christian obligation.
During her conversation with Strohmier on Wednesday, Bates revealed that she received a call in September informing her that her adoption petition had been suspended after she objected to the state's gender ideology. However, she received an official rejection two months later.
Kiefer expressed her desire that the state would eventually resolve the matter and permit Bates to continue with the adoption process. Bates, who shared the same hope, also added her aspiration for the "discriminatory policy" to be revised, thereby enabling other individuals encountering similar obstacles to adopt.
Trending Political News
Republican California Mayor Nearly Eliminates Homelessness in His City With Common Sense Policies
For years, California cities have been struggling with a homelessness crisis, pouring billions of dollars into addressing the escalating tragedy and providing aid to those urgently in need of housing.
However, there is one city that has managed to defy the odds and has reported the lowest number of homeless individuals in the state.
Peter Doocy Asks White House Press Secretary the Question We've All Been Wondering
During a press briefing, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre directly if President Joe Biden had any involvement in "family business schemes."
The Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee has claimed that there is evidence that Biden lied to the public about his involvement in his family's international business ventures. The new Republican majority in the House has also vowed to investigate the president's son, Hunter, over his dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma and Chinese energy company CEFC China Energy.
Senator Joe Manchin Makes Huge Announcement About His Political Future
On Wednesday, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a Democrat, revealed his political intentions for the 2024 election cycle and has decided against running for president.
"I am not running for President of the United States," Manchin declared to MetroNews during a radio interview broadcast from West Virginia's State Capitol.
Ford Submits Patent for Car That Locks Drivers Out of the Car on Purpose
Ford filed a patent application for an autonomous vehicle capable of repossessing itself in the event that the owner defaults on car payments.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently published an application that was originally submitted by Ford two years ago. The application outlines a computer-based system that would activate a "multi-step repossession procedure" if car payments are not made. The vehicle would first receive several notifications about the missed payments, and if the issue persists, it could be locked or made to comply with repossession efforts by the financial institution, involving drivers or leaseholders.
Famous Comedian Under Investigation After Being Caught With Loaded Gun at Airport
According to reports, famous comedian Mike Epps is currently being investigated after a loaded firearm was allegedly discovered in his luggage at the Indianapolis International Airport on Sunday.
Legal records suggest that during the security screening process, personnel found the loaded firearm in Epps' possession and immediately sought assistance. Epps was interrogated about the weapon and claimed that it was an inadvertent mistake on his part. According to TMZ, the renowned comedian, who was in town for a performance, stated that he completely forgot the gun was in his bag. Presently, no charges have been pressed, but the inquiry is still ongoing.
Deja Vu: Jennifer Aniston Hits the Streets in Black Dress and No Bra Results in Stunning Results [Photos]
Jennifer Aniston stepped out onto the streets of New York yet again, this time wearing a black dress with no undergarments, mirroring her previous look of a white tank top without a bra. Once again, the outcome was absolutely stunning.
Leave a Reply