May 29, 2019
Children’s Rights is proud to announce the launch of our new Interfaith Coalition for Children’s Rights. Faith leaders across the country are joining us to fight back against legislation and policy changes that can only hurt the most vulnerable children among us:
What is the Interfaith Coalition for Children’s Rights?
It’s a group of faith organizations and advocates banding together to combat “religious freedom” bills. These bills use religion to justify allowing taxpayer-funded child welfare agencies to discriminate, based on their religious beliefs, against potential foster and adoptive parents.
Why now?
This year has seen the introduction of state legislation and policy that would allow faith-based discrimination, including in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, in violation of the constitutional rights we hold dear. The language in these measures often permits child welfare service providers to discriminate against anyone who does not meet their religious litmus test, including LGBTQ, Catholic, and Jewish individuals and families, among others. We are concerned that this publicly funded discrimination will reduce the number of safe and loving families who can welcome foster children into their homes. We must organize to protect these children who need us most, especially now that the Trump administration is reportedly planning to allow adoption agencies to reject same-sex couples nationwide.
Who’s part of the Coalition?
Founding members come from diverse faith organizations and activist communities, including Union Theological Seminary, ADL (Anti-Defamation League), New York University’s Wagner School, and others. Read the full list of founding members here.
What’s next?
As Children’s Rights moves forward in our advocacy, we will call on the Interfaith Coalition for Children’s Rights to sign letters, participate in amicus briefs, and mobilize grassroots efforts. Working together, we can make a real difference. Stay tuned for more news.
Read more about the Interfaith Coalition for Children’s Rights here
Did you know?
Currently, ten states have provisions that allow discrimination based on “religious freedom.” Check out this map from the Movement Advancement Project to learn more about where these laws are currently in effect.
See map here »