Home » News » Tennessee Passes Bill Allowing LGBT-Discrimination in Adoption Tennessee Passes Bill Allowing LGBT-Discrimination in Adoption A Tennessee bill protecting adoption agencies’ rights to not place children with LGBT parents is headed to the governor’s desk, all but ensuring anti-LGBT discrimination in adoption will be legal in the Volunteer State. Like similar “religious freedom” bills presented across the nation over the last few years, Tennessee’s bill prohibits requiring any private child-placing agency in the state to place children for foster care or adoption if doing so violates “the agency’s written religious or moral convictions.” The legislation also prevents the state from denying a license or government grant to agencies if it refuses a placement on those grounds. Supporters of the bill argue it will protect the religious freedoms of agencies, but critics point out what many in the adoption industry already know — that LGBT individuals adopt out of the foster care system at a higher rate than heteronormative individuals. The bill, they argue, will make it harder for children to find the supportive, welcoming homes they need, especially after years in the foster care system. The Human Rights Campaign, one of the most prominent LGBT-rights advocacy organizations, has released a report questioning whether or not this discrimination violates that widely-held “best interests of the child” standard. This bill comes on the heels of similar proposals in other states and a national proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in late 2019. Republican Gov. Bill Lee has 10 days after receiving the bill to sign or veto it, but his office has already told local paper The Tennessean that he will sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk. Tennessee Passes Bill Allowing LGBT-Discrimination in Adoption Five Reasons to Take Advantage of Adoption Counseling ServicesWherever you are in your adoption journey, if you are experiencing emotional difficulties, know that you don’t have to go it alone. You are entitled to adoption counseling services, which can be beneficial in a number of ways. Here are just a few benefits of working with an adoption counselor.Learn More Five Ways to Support a Pregnant Friend Considering AdoptionIt can be overwhelming to receive such big news from someone close to you, and you may not know how to react or how...Learn MoreDo Orphanages Still Exist?When many people think of adoption, they think of traditional orphanages — or the negative stereotype of traditional orphanages, involving underfed and mistreated orphans...Learn MoreFive Signs You Are Ready to Start the Adoption ProcessAdoption can be an exciting and rewarding experience — but it’s also a big commitment that requires plenty of time, energy and patience. How...Learn MoreSix Ways to Educate Others About AdoptionIf you have experienced the joy of adoption firsthand, you can help spread adoption awareness. Simply sharing your story with others can help them...Learn MoreCoping with an Adoption DisruptionYour dreams of parenthood are finally within reach — until you get the devastating news that your baby’s prospective birth mother has changed her...Learn MoreFour Ways to Handle the Holidays After PlacementThe holidays are a time of good cheer and celebration — family and friends come together in the spirit of the season to make...Learn MoreFour New Year’s Resolutions for Adoptive ParentsAs you begin the new year, consider setting adoption goals and making adoption an even bigger priority in your life.Learn More Get Free Info