Trans Legislation Tracker

WV HB4898

OTHERFAILED

Relating to foster or adoption parents sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender idenity

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit, as a condition for eligibility to foster or adopt, by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, the requirement to affirm, accept or support any government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the parent's sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.

Selected quotes

No current or prospective adoptive or foster parent [...] shall, as a condition for eligibility to foster or adopt, be required by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services to affirm, accept or support any government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the parent’s sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.

(b) The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services may not deny a current or prospective adoptive or foster parent any authorization necessary to be eligible to foster or adopt based, in whole or in part, upon the parent’s sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.

(c) The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services may not establish or enforce any per se standard, rule, or policy, that precludes consideration of a current or prospective adoptive or foster parent for any particular placement based, in whole or in part, upon the parent’s sincerely held religious beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Such beliefs shall not create a per se presumption that any particular placement is contrary to the best interest of the child.

Legislative Session

inactive

2024 Regular Session

Links

Read bill text

History

DateAction
2024-01-18To House Health and Human Resources
2024-01-18Introduced in House
2024-01-18To Health and Human Resources then Judiciary
2024-01-18Filed for introduction