Ohio residents may be aware that they have certain rights when it comes to avoiding the detrimental effects of discrimination. For example, the color of their skin or the religion they choose to follow may not be used as grounds to deny them a home or a promotion at work. These and other important rights exist in other contexts, but for some who hope to adopt children it may feel as though discrimination is at work.
That is because some states throughout the nation permit foster and adoption agencies to exclude prospective parents based on their faiths. These organizations claim that they have deeply held religious beliefs that may be violated if they allow individuals from outside of their faiths to benefit. In some cases, these denials fall upon same-sex couples, whose lifestyles may contradict the tenants of faith-based organizations.
Many of these faith-based adoption laws are under review, and their status in the future may be in question as the courts get involved to decide just what is permissible. Discrimination is prohibited, but the law does not require legitimate religious organizations to violate their own foundations in the name of other people’s potential rights.
When Ohio residents begin considering whether they want to adopt children, they may want to talk to local adoption attorneys to learn more about what goes into the process. Faith-based organizations may offer fostering and adoption options to individuals but may also deny them opportunities if their religious beliefs are not aligned. Other options may exist for those who wish to expand their families but who do not wish to involve themselves in organizations that use religion as grounds for consideration.