Should faith-based adoption agencies be able to turn away gay parents? In the state of Arkansas, the answer is yes. Arkansas adoption groups will no longer be forced to place children in homes with LGBTQ+ parents, thanks to a new law.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed the Keep Kids First Act, preventing the state from forcing faith-based adoption agencies to “perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the private child placement agency's sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.”
The law also bars the state from blocking prospective adoptive parents with biblical views on same-sex attraction and marriage on the grounds they may not support a gay or transgender child.
Conservative Christians are championing the ruling as a win for religious freedom. Meanwhile, critics argue that the law legalizes discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and harms children by reducing the amount of prospective adoptive parents.
Should Christian adoption agencies be able to legally discriminate?
A Religious Freedom Win…?
“Every child deserves a loving home that can provide them stability and opportunities to grow. Yet other states have put politics over people by excluding caring families and faith-based adoption and foster care organizations from helping children find loving homes,” said Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Greg Chafuen, who helped propel the bill to the governor’s desk.
As they put it, the bill supports “the well-being of kids by prohibiting state and local government officials from discriminating against adoption and foster care providers and parents simply because of their religious beliefs and moral convictions,” and ends what they view as blatant religious discrimination against faithful Christians.
Religious activist group Focus on the Family echoed this sentiment, calling the bill a major win for kids:
“Various states have forced Christians out of the foster care and adoption system if they believe in God’s male-female design for humanity, and in biblical sexuality. This is especially foolish, given that Christians are – by far – the most likely to engage with the foster care system or adopt. We applaud… Gov. Sanders’ decision to enact bills protecting Christian foster and adoptive parents from discrimination.”
…Or Legalized Discrimination?
On the other hand, critics contend the bill is harmful; It not only needlessly limits the amount of available parents in an already overburdened adoption system, it also overtly discriminates against LGBTQ+ couples, they say.
“Instead of enshrining discrimination into law, our state should be working to ensure that every child in Arkansas has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving home,” wrote the American Civil Liberties Union, who opposed the bill, in a statement. “Every qualified family should have the opportunity to open their hearts and homes to a child — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
All this bill does, they say, is “allow foster care and adoption agencies in our state to discriminate against LGBTQ Arkansans by denying them services simply because of who they are.”
What’s Best for Kids?
When it comes to Christian adoption agencies with biblical views on sexuality and marriage, and the rights of LGBTQ+ couples not to be discriminated against… Who should win? This issue isn’t going away, as questions around the limits of religious freedom continue to spark heated debate – and legislative responses.
Two years ago, a Massachusetts-based Catholic couple sued the state, alleging that their adoption application was denied because of their religious views – specifically, their belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, as well as for expressing anti-transgender sentiment.
And last year, Tennessee passed a bill allowing anti-LGBTQ+ parents to adopt kids who identify as LGBTQ+, which critics argued was not only morally wrong, but dangerous for children.
What is your reaction? Should faith-based adoption agencies be able to reject prospective LGBTQ+ parents simply on the basis of their sexuality? And should they be able to adopt out LGBTQ+ kids to Christian parents who won’t affirm their sexuality or gender identity?
86 comments
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Kevin W Titus
It is an extremely hard subject to talk about. It is a Sin in the Bible and God does not condone it either. Many Ministers of the Christian faith agree on that. But to allow children to be raised on this matter, wrong indeed. It is not fair for them to be subject to it either. If anything this should be ended. If they wish children ,then do not go the way of that lifestyle? It proves ,this is only causes mental distress for them.it is Godly obvious? Any one that believes otherwise, must be prepared for what is coming,
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William Morehead
Religion in general is discriminatory. It classifies one as this and not that. If Christians wish to remain separate from all other religions. Then discrimination against those who do not practice Christianity is to be expected. I do not see why this is even a question. It does not imply hate or any immorality to exercise one's belief in staying true to what one believes. The core tenants of Christianity are to Love and Forgive. Not to be all inclusive and tolerant. There is and always will be a call to separate oneself from the ways of the world and to go against the grain as a Christian no matter the persecution or scrutiny. Staying true to what one believes isn't bigotry so long as it's genuine
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Blake Andrew Tallman
everyone is equal and if the religious community turns away same sex couples from adopting then they r discriminating against us im a gay guy as well and same sex couples in my opinion make better guardians than heteroe couples who hate thier kids the moment they have them so same sex couples should be allowed to adopt no matter what but keep in mind religious ignorants if u discriminate against us then we have the right to discriminate against u
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Charles Hankins
If you actually have bread the Bible, then you know that homosexual activities no matter what are an abomination in the eyes of God. People make jokes about this, but if God, who can not and does not make mistakes, made man and woman to be together as husband and wife, then who are we to change it. Why would you lead a child to believe its OK for to men or two women to be together, that is wrong and not the proper way to raise a child.
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Kevin W Titus
Charles Hankins. Agreed and not by a few,it is in the Bible and Abomination No mistakes there or our Lord God.
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Rev. B.D. Rees
The very phrase "Traditional Christianity" in itself is a poor excuse for BIGOTRY. Christ saId: Suffer unto me the little children. Gay couples who wish to adopt a child and raise that child to be accepting and compassionate toward others will have done exactly what Christ wanted them to do, no matter if the child is straight or Gay!
Besides my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, what is Homosexual or Gay or Lesbian, or Bisexual etc... A word or a label that those who are taught to Hate use to catagorize us. Words never hurt me, I am who God made me, and like I always believe, GOD DON'T MAKE MISTAKES!!-
James Trenton Smith
Being gay is a sin. God did not make you that way. You have free-will to choose iniquity or righteousness. It is hard. Some brothers are in bondage to drugs, some violence, some sexual iniquity. But Gods word is written on our hearts. Resist sin for the greater reward. This life is but a vapor. This is not condemnation. This is not Judgment. This is the word. The mistake is believing that "Love is Love" and that God made a man gay. God does not have a hand in the creation of iniquity. He made you perfect...and you still are. Resist sin.
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Charles Hankins
Amen
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
Consider the situation where an adoptive gay couple are devout Christians and will raise their adopted child in a Christian home. Some commentators here would label them as false Christians but didn't Jesus take on all comers? The farther those souls are from traditional Christianity the more they need acceptance and un-critical Christian love.
In these dialogues I read so many references to Old Testament sources --- yes, the Old Testament and its archaic messages of hatefulness, revenge, territoriality, exclusiveness, more. Wasn't Jesus the ultimate rebel to introduce a revolutionary religion of love and acceptance?? What would Jesus say about prospective gay parents? I think he would assert that they need your Christian love more than your fellow Christians whose beliefs are just like yours.
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Alexander Clarke
The question is are children better off being raised in a loving family regardless of the makeup of that family or being raised in an orphanage.
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John G Dail
You want the truth then go to Leviticus18: 22 though30 that should answer it for you
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Rev. Tim
As does Exodus 21:7 and 1 Samuel 15:3. Truly, a Loving and Just GOD.
For all you New Testament aficionados, Jesus probably spent most of his time hating on the gays as well, right?
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Rev. Tim
Many US religions used to, and some fringe-y ones still do, maintain as a matter of doctrine that dark-skinned people were/are inferior ("the curse of Hamc), that the races should not mix, and other insane twaddle.
Arkansas doesn't (explicitly) permit denying adoption based on race.
Why is it that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is God's Law, but race is not?
If this truly is about religious freedom, why are we denying True Believers their right to beat their wives and children, to slay those who work on the Sabbath, to enslave those of different races, and all of the other poisonous horrific insanity that the All-Knowing Perfect God of Love explicitly commands His flock to inflict on others?
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John A Carreiro
In the United States the U S Constitution in the First Amendment states: Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This means that government federal, state, local government cannot stop any citizen from following or practicing their religion. The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices. Ergo, yes the folks whose religion calls sin evil and is against their faith can not be forced to participate in it's use. So, yes religious folks, whose faith calls these folks sinners, can deny any homosexuals or lesbians the right to adopt. I think it is very clearly stated in that 1st Amendment that the government can not enforce any faith to go against it's religious beliefs.
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Rev. Tim
You make an extraordinary claim. Extraordinary claims require proof.
Go read the First Amendment, it is easily found via a search. Respond here with a quote from the text of that amendment with the verbiage you say prohibits this.
Be prepared to explain how the government can and does outlaw slavery, murder, child abuse, and all of the other Holy stuff that religious texts command the Faithful to do
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John Casillo
Regarding trains......gays adopting kids will only confuse them on how to hook up a train "caboose" properly.
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Monica Faye Chaddick
I feel that whether or not someone would make a good parent has absolutely nothing to do with their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation should have no consideration. I know people who are straight and are lousy parents and abusive parents and yet they still have their children. I know of couples that are heterosexual that have adopted children and abused them and walked out on them. Consider the person not the person's orientation.
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Mark Dyer
When it comes to adoption, let's keep in mind that we may not be talking about babies. They can be kids of all ages that are still legally "minors". So some of those kids already have thoughts about being not "wanted" by their actual mom and dad. Being told by adoption agency staff that they will find a good home for them and a loving family, those kids are thinking about their "replacement" mom & dad. We all need the yin/yang that comes from the differences and benefits that a mom and dad have to offer.
When it comes to the church, the church has preached my entire life that God says that homosexuality is bad. Despite my personal beliefs I greatly value a church that doesn't "go woke" on things like this. Any church-based adoption agency should stick to the position the church holds on this. That sets a "standard" of moral conduct, that many value. This is like going to a Christian hospital. You expect a more "holy" experience than standard hospitals. So... If gay couples want to adopt, let them with non-church-based adoption agencies.
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Rev. Tim
You are OK with the churches that went "Woke"
(what does that even mean? As far as I can tell, it seems to mean "we're sorry we did this horrible thing for decades or more, but we're trying to become better human beings, so we won't treat each other like that anymore")
by no longer supporting wife beating, slavery, or murdering those who work on your denomination's choice of which day is the Sabbath, but NOT churches that went "Woke" by tallying up how many times Jesus condemned the gays (0) and decided that being decent human beings (which Jesus DID mention, like a lot) was more, well, Jesus-y?
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Next, religious groups that believe in the curse of Ham can argue that being forced to allow black couples to adopt children limits their religious freedom. Where does this end? The purpose of religion is to raise the human spirit, not help it devolve into animal territoriality. It is disgusting and disheartening to watch the law support the degeneration of our country's heart.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: this debate isn’t about the willingness of Christian families to adopt or foster children, regardless of race or orientation. Many Christian families are eager to provide loving homes to all children. The crux of the issue lies in those families who are not supportive of LGBTQ identities, particularly when it comes to raising a gay child. Placing a child in an environment that is hostile to their identity is nothing short of cruel.
As someone who grew up in fear of being discovered as gay, I know firsthand the anguish this creates. The potential for harm in such situations is undeniable. Moreover, it is equally troubling to consider policies that prevent gay parents from adopting or fostering children solely based on their sexual orientation. This raises a critical question: Who is truly being discriminated against here? Regardless, it is the LGBTQ child who ultimately suffers here.
This is not just about individual cases; it’s part of a larger pattern of attempts to marginalize the LGBTQ community. History has shown that such efforts fail. We continue to exist because our identities are not choices.
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Patricia Ann Gross
When my sister and her husband were going through the adoption process, they started with the Catholic agencies, primarily because of the support for the orphanages our father provided his entire life. They were appalled at the process, and told that since she was no longer Catholic, she would be on the waiting list and continue to stay there below other Catholics. This is a process that has been in place by the Catholic Church forever, so it is not just LGBTQIA+ discrimination, it can include religious discrimination as well. They went through the state and a couple of private agencies and eventually adopted two beautiful children, so there are other options than going through an agency that will turn your life (and bedrooms) upside down before allowig you to adopt. Screening for issues, like addiction and abuse, for example, is important, but this is completely unnecessary. Unfortunately, since the Catholic Church falls under the "freedom of religion" act, I believe the courts will allow this to happen, just like they would refuse to provide a child to a Muslim (or Presbyterian) couple because of their religous views.
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David M Hines
Big difference between exercising your freedom of religion and inflicting your religion on another person uninvited. Your right to practice your religion does not trump (sorry) their right to be left alone.
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Jan Diederick Kruger
No they cant discriminate against that its not to that it is not a legal way they may refuse yes cause everyone have the right to do so but not discriminate
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Mario Andrés Lopez
Blessings to every Minister of this Church, it is not discriminatory, because the family is the pillar of society, gay couples are part of the same society, but sadly the acts of sexual violence committed by some gay couples who have adopted children have tarnished the entire community, someone could also say that the same thing happens in some heterosexual families, and it is true, but the law punishes a heterosexual aggressor more severely than one who is from the LGTBQ + community, because they protect themselves from the fact that they are a minority and believe that this gives them license to act as they please, they are the ones who stain the others who have been fighting for equal treatment, many of them are also against the adoption of children by gay couples, because they know that the path they are traveling is full of obstacles and many of those obstacles come from some members of the LGTBQ + community, discrimination comes from the infamous acts practiced by adoptive parents of the community, when they sexualize a boy or girl, when They take him to the gay pride parade, they dress him as if he were the opposite sex to the one he was born with, they force him to watch almost naked men and topless women and performing erotic acts in front of those children, that is why they should not adopt, until it is realized that the upbringing of a child is not about the sexual, but more about values that are taught at home, in education and comprehensive care and when the time comes when that child is able to define and understand his sexuality support him, but do not induce them from such a young age to a world that they do not understand, when a safe environment for that child is created, adoption can be considered and in fact there are many children who live in safe environments with gay parents and that guarantee the teaching of values
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Michael Hunt
What fantasy world do you exist in?
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Stacey Owens
Your righteousness is of the world just like LGTBQ. They believe in who they are and you believe in what you are. Yet, there is one contrast the Holy Spirit. So I ask you, do you judge men lives or do you surrender it too God? Because as it is written, "we are judge of no man".
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James Trenton Smith
I understand what you mean Mario. I have seen all this play out in real-time. For a long time, I was simply shocked witnessing them literally leading children into the bondage of iniquity, rejoicing in it, and then calling it Pride. I will not forsake my gay brothers and sisters. I will talk, witness, counsel, and love them until I draw my last breath. However, but I will no longer turn a blind eye to their interactions with children. Men have free-will and can sin until that fateful day the Lord bursts through the Eastern sky. However, until then, they will stop their proselytism towards children, or they will be made to.
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James Trenton Smith
I understand what you mean Mario. I have seen all this play out in real-time. For a long time, I was simply shocked witnessing them literally leading children into the bondage of iniquity, rejoicing in it, and then calling it Pride. I will not forsake my gay brothers and sisters. I will talk, witness, counsel, and love them until I draw my last breath. However, but I will no longer turn a blind eye to their interactions with children. Men have free-will and can sin until that fateful day the Lord bursts through the Eastern sky. However, until then, they will stop their proselytism towards children, or they will be made to.
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Ray Ray Ray
Gay and trans is making a return to a recognised mental illness. Thankfully treatment is moving back to mental sanitoriums, and an overturning of supreme court decisions that dismantled mental health institutions. A return to the procedures and medications that worked is coming soon. Lobotomy, drip and shock therapy, can now be performed with greater effect as advances in medical procedures today are far better than in the last century. It is time.
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Michael Hunt
So torture? You want to torture gay and trans people by performing procedures that do nothing to "cure" their queerness but are used as methods of torture. You're are sick.
Being gay or trans is not a mental illness just like being left handed is not a mental illness. To believe otherwise is purely based in hate.
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James Trenton Smith
It is mental illness to claim - to the point of violence - that a man is a woman and that a woman is a man. It is mental illness to literally cut organs from one's body to pretend to be something they are not. It is mental illness to demand my participation in said delusion and call it violence when I refuse. It is more than mental illness to demand that this false doctrine be introduced to small children, by complete strangers, in a setting outside the home and away from the parents. If a man wants to Sin this way - so be it.... but, if you poke the bear, demand recognition, and a venue to openly celebrate deviant sexual behavior as a theme - know that men will poke back...
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Michael Hunt
Is teaching children that the Earth is approximately 4.543 years old introducing false doctrine?
Why do the overwhelming majority of scientists who study biology and our genome recognize that homosexuality is in our biology as multiple genes have an effect on our sexual preferences?
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James Trenton Smith
It is mental illness to claim - to the point of violence - that a man is a woman and that a woman is a man. It is mental illness to literally cut organs from one's body to pretend to be something they are not. It is mental illness to demand my participation in said delusion and call it violence when I refuse. It is more than mental illness to demand that this false doctrine be introduced to small children, by complete strangers, in a setting outside the home and away from the parents. If a man wants to Sin this way - so be it.... but, if you poke the bear, demand recognition, and a venue to openly celebrate deviant sexual behavior as a theme - know that men will poke back...
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Rev Samantha Counihan
discriminations isnt legal, its hate and the adoption agency can get in legal trouble for discrimination, because discriminations of any kind in all 52 states is ILLEGAL, its all hateful and harmful
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Mrknowitall
Homosexuals have a mental disorder, for this reason alone they should not be allowed to raise kids. there are more but why get into it.
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Steven Ferrell
Sure there are many different adoption agencies in the state that are non-religious that people can use as well. The bill does not bar any couples from adopting, it only respects the beliefs of religious adoption agencies.
Why does the alphabet community continue to try and FORCE everyone to go along with their beliefs?
Use agencies that go along with your beliefs.-
Rev Samantha Counihan
theyre not forcing it, people that refuse and discriminate against LGBTQ are hateful and pushing their hate on others, its wrong and harmful, discrimination is ILLEGAL in all 52 states, the adoption agency has no right to refuse a gay couple for being who they are, which is discrimination = ILLEGAL and hate
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Priestess Annie
When I was in a third-year Sociology course, we actually did a study on the success and overall happiness of individuals raised in different family upbringings. We studied all types: grandparents, unknown, family friends, male-male, female-female, female-male, etc. The whole class gathered multiple types of questions (the psychology side, the physical side, just general questions). We found that there was a better quality of life reported when they came from a male-male relationship. I understand that most parents strive to do the best that they can for their child, but I also understand why the study came out with those results. A lot of the time they are raised with structure, but also compassion. More of those people grew up to be accepting of other races, kind to the female gender, and a lot of the time from a family that stayed cooperative. The couple either stayed together their entire lives, or they worked very well to co-parent and not have disagreements in front of their child. I'm not saying that any gay couple can raise a child better than others; I'm saying we need to be more open-minded to the fact that successful families can come in all shapes and sizes. With adoption&foster centers overflowing, I don't think we need to choose what couple can have a child. That decision should be focused on whether or not it's sustainable for them and if they are good people in general. I know I wasn't ready for mine financially, but sometimes you don't get that option. Although I was mature for my age, I'm just lucky that I have a supportive family. In conclusion, it's not right for us to take a child who was unwanted by someone else (couldn't be afforded, or whatever the reason may be) and deny them of a perfectly good home just because of who they love.
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Ipsissima: Leonora
If a Christian adoption agency is clear about their adoption rules, whether you agree with them or not, why would a gay couple bother going there in the first place?
There are many other perfectly reputable adoption agencies willing and able to help gay couples find a child. And if the couple then decide to raise their child as a Christian they can do that regardless of which adoption agency they went to.
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Stacey Owens
Your missing the point. God is in control. He will lead the child according to His will, according to the fullness of time. Don't forget the Lord's prayer, the lord will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.
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Stacey Owens
I'm for the righteousness of God. Not the righteousness of man. You see we are created in the image of God. Which means no one has never seen God. The only one that has seen Him are the ones who are in His image. The image of God is life, humbleness, understanding, peace, and love through correction. The Father didn't call create man to judge the world or take vengeance. He created man to dwell within him because he has the breath of life dwelling in Him which is God who is life. If your in Him you should not be concern about the worldliness. The only concern should be in you should be that you please God and that your living the life He bestowed upon you according to His will. Judgement belongs to God. If you believe in the grace of God through Jesus Christ you should be walking by the faith of him and not by sight. Believers are in the world not concerned of it. Which means, your life is not yours but God's: (Being Holy as He is Holy). So I say if LGBQ want to walk according to the nature of the will of their desired flesh, then its their will. Only God can correct them. It won't effect me, I walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desire lust of my flesh according to my faith in Christ. Because Christ is my life. He is the kingdom of God. Amen
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Roger Elton Davis
But for a man to lay with another man is against God’s law and should not be taught to children as an ok lifestyle. With that said homosexual couples should be excluded from raising children.
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Michael Hunt
So, because you believe that homosexuality is a sin, that belief should be imposed on others who do not share your religious beliefs?
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Stacey Owens
Your not that man. You are suppose to pray for them and trust God hears your prayer for them and move on. Its the prayer that changes not your act of evil of hate. When you pray, pray that they sin no more and thank God He heard your prayer for them. So making peace. The scriptures say, the believer is the light of the world. You have to remember, our ways are not God's ways nor are our thoughts His thoughts. Amen. They must see only the life of Christ in you. As for you, you don't exist because your dead in Christ. You are a living sacrifice, holy and acceptible to God which is your reasonible service. Amen.
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Robert Gagnon
The whole point of adoption is doing what's best for the child. A child hoping for adoption may take any family they can get without thinking of the possible unpleasantness they may face with a mismatch in lifestyle. Common sense says you don't put a Christian child in an LGB home or an LGB kid in a Christian home. However the home life is oriented those mismatched children will be viewed as fundamentally wrong and in need of reeducation. Even without pushing ideals it would still be uncomfortable for someone. Why force a common sense issue.
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
My entire career was spent in health care where I quickly observed that I was surrounded by gay docs and nurses who were outstandingly loving and caring. Those are the women and men who become loving and caring adoptive parents --- and that's not limited to health care gays. I believe their track record for giving children a stable home life is better than heterosexual couples with lower divorce rates and less spousal abuse. My personal experience working with gay parents has been uniformly favorable and good for children who desperately need loving parents.
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John Bamburak
Adoption...hummm Well at age 25 the brain has fully developed, it is at that point the child now adult has become responsible for themselves..... Any others until that child grows and develops must view all suppositions of such effects ( decision for what's best ) The world is tuff on all .... consideration for adverse decisions is the way....." Adults have had their time to grow and decide the child or adolescent has not yet..
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Michael Bernard Wolf
Homosexuality IS a sin against God. You can't follow Scripture and then say homosexuality is okay because God created woman for man as a partner in life, God did not create another man for that purpose. People who turn to homosexuality do so as their choice of how they want to live, just like a person turns to crime and becomes a criminal, it is a choice. Criminal action is against the law of the land, homosexuality is against the laws of Scripture and God. It is what it is and you can choose to side with Scripture or with the LBGTQ but IMO you can't have it both ways. I also DO NOT believe a Gay person should preach from the pulpit and that is not changing anytime soon.
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Stewart
Actually all human beings start life in the womb as females the biological process then with time and hormonal processes change starts the gender determination biological process is amazingly simple ...
BUT you can continue to wish that a stolen fable is truth written by those that wanted power over everyone they could have power over . After all control is all organized religions are about anyway .
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James Trenton Smith
No Sir, sex is determined at conception, is immutable. Boys are XY and girls are XX. It is immediate, permanent and done so by the hand of God himself...it is, ergo, beyond debate.
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Michael Hunt
Well scientists who study these things say differently...
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James Trenton Smith
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Brien
I don't believe in your fictional God. I couldn't care less as to whose preaching your fiction. It's nice to see that you zealots hate each other too. That is a positive in my book.
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Keith Ramsey
Who says it is a sin against God?
The scriptures you are using were created by MEN, not by a God. 40 years or so ago, when I was in Bible School, we were taught that Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden to be with OTHERS.... I remember the teacher saying that these others were never described but assumed to be other humans.
If what was told in Bible School is accurate, who were these others. If they were human, then where did they come from, if they were there while Adam and Eve were in the Garden.
What you need to remember is that Scripture was written by MEN. In languages that are mostly not used anymore, and then have been translated numerous times.
Also remember, that at the time of many of these scriptures were written, that more than 95% of the population couldn't read or write. Also, there are a number of the scriptures that were finally recorded YEARS after they were first spoken, spread by word of mouth.
Something that needs to be remembered, that there is a lot about probably all religions, they were created to control the masses.
You make the false claim that homosexuality is a choice, this is false.
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ServantOfJudgement
Keith, nowhere does the Bible say Adam and ever were cast out to be with others. It says they were alone together when cast out. It's crystal clear
You don't need to believe the bible, it's ok if you don't. I've noticed that those who don't believe the bible in any way shape or form quote the document overwhelmingly more than those who do believe it to be the word of God. I wonder why that is.
That said, you can deny the bible is the word of God but you can't deny it is in opposition to homosexual behavior.
You've got Christians right here that don't believe the Bible. Somehow they think they're Christians. I just can't figure that one out.
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Brien
This is an old topic. They're allowed to do this, especially nowadays considering the political climate. You all knew what was going to happen when the current administration took power. Many of you did nothing. We used to have standards, but not anymore. So discrimination will now be the law of the land. But don't be to concerned as the administration is treating the rest of the world the same way. So, live with your decision and lack of action. They haven't tried to change the term limits... yet.
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Colleen McAllister
I worked at a Bible-based private foster/adoption agency in California for 11 years. They were opposed to gay parents but received both Federal and State monies so were required to accept them. All prospective parents had to undergo training in dealing with gender issues. Our gay parents became our best families. The child's needs came first which meant that anti-gay parents had to agree to supporting them. Period. As a Christian I pray for the day when we stop nosing into anyone's sexual or gender preferences and let people be who they are.
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Merlin
Loose your righteousness! It’s all about Money.
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Michael Bernard Wolf
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CB Cuff
"The only way a Christian Adoption agency couldn't refuse is if, they are getting federal monies." Most, if not all 'private' schools receive government monies. They blatantly discriminate against those who don't agree/conform to their way of thinking, and get away with it. In Canada, specifically BC, tentative foster parents are required mandatory training which address's this issue, and any other concerns which may and do arise in homes which have strong religious overtones. For better or worse, children are moved from those homes when non-compliance is reported/observed. Best interest of the children comes first, not religious beliefs. Discrimination in various forms is present in most private adoption and foster care agencies in the US and Canada.
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Pastor Jim
Yes, Christian adoption agencies are experts at pairing adoptive children to potential parents and can be trusted to do what is good and appropriate for all concerned.
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CB Cuff
In a civilized country your views would exempt you from adopting or fostering. Your home would be considered an unsafe environment. Look up confirmation bias. You fit right in.
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ServantOfJudgement
In your imaginary civilized country CB, would you still chop up millions of babies and send the dead to the landfill?
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Reverend Paula Copp
Pastor Jim, you’ve got to be kidding me right now…
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Pastor Jim
There seems to be an excessive amount of Judeochristian values bashed on this forum. While I have moved on in my own spiritual concepts and belief system, I certainly appreciate my mother's insistence that I be raised and instructed in the Southern Baptist traditions. As such, I feel Christians have every right to establish agencies that place adoptive children in homes where they are likely to receive education in their traditions and values and I expect that there are other adoption agencies that do the same.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
If only there was a laugh emoji.
I wouldn’t trust a “christian” to raise a child. Certainly “experts” “trusted” “good” and “appropriate” are not words that fit the majority of “christians” these days.
There shouldn’t be “exceptions” for religious beliefs that harm children nor for those who don’t. Just get rid of the bs
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Keith Ramsey
I sense some very extreme sarcasm in this post.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
“Conservative Christians are championing the ruling as a win for religious freedom.” Where’s there “religious freedom?” Certainly it in the USA. Until anyone bringing up (socializing) under-aged children— faces charges involving child abuse, for trying to indoctrinate a child, into this specific religion or that — there’s no religious freedom in the USA, period— we allow religious indoctrination, which is clearly brainwashing in the USA, and if the parents don’t want to personally rainwash their own kids, their Sunday Schools will do so for them.
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ServantOfJudgement
That would probably be the very best thing for this country and the world William, for Christians across the country to be arrested and their children taken from them. Either re-educate the parents or just dispose of them.
It might just be what we need to get on the right track.
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Every child deserves a loving and safe family. I have known LBGTQ+ parents and they are better than some I've known who weren't. Leave the children alone and keep religion out of it!
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Wilberta M. Berry
Well, the reality is Christian Agencies are private institutions. They can set their own rules. The Supreme Court made that perfectly clear when they ruled a privately owned bakery could refuse to made wedding cakes for gay couples. The only way a Christian Adoption agency couldn't refuse is if, they are getting federal monies. However, with this current regime occupying the White House and their ignorant stance on gay rights, they would 100% support that level of discrimination. I will never understand why people vote against their own interests. I guess hatred is the motivation. Thinking the monster in the white house was only going to harm people of color. Well the monster doesn't care about anyone who isn't a billionaire.🤷🏼♀️
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Rev. MichaelRS
You never hear these arguments against anybody else except Christians and/or white people.
No one ever argue against Muslim based adoption agencies placing children with Muslim families or black run adoption agencies that wish to place black children with black families.
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Michael Hunt
Surely you have examples of these things happening...
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James Trenton Smith
Yes Michael Hunt, we do have numerous cataloged examples of these things happening. They are in plain sight, look them up yourself. The word says to study to show thyself approved.
But, by your own admission, you believe that the word is Wrong on the issue of LGBTQ in the church. It is important to note that if the word is wrong, as you say, then that - in and of itself - is an admission that the word speaks counter of your claims, opposite of the position that you maintain.-
Michael Hunt
If you have numerous cataloged examples, please provide some.
Yes, I do believe "the word" is wrong on a lot of things, such as the age of Earth, and therefore, opposite of the position I maintain. Thanks for clearing that up for us. Someone who believes 2+2=5 is also opposite of the position I maintain.
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Stacey Owens
It sad that people in this country think that their righteousness is the righteousness of God. I wonder if they even know the will of God. They act as if the know what going on in the life of these people. Passing judgment not knowing the truth of them. Yet doing the same thing. The problem is its the job they hold. It has become the unbelief. It will judge them. So no one is excused. All the world will stand guilty before God. Turn to Jesus Christ, he is our righteousness before the Father of glory. Only grace can save us, not judgment. Because grace is the love of God.
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Rev. MichaelRS
The only Insight we have to the will of God is the scriptures.
If one wishes to argue against them...well then there you go.
Otherwise it is what it is
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Stacey Owens
Does the scriptures make your relationship with God personal? Or is it just the letter of the bible? Ask yourself, is it just letters or is it the word of God, life revealed in you?
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James Trenton Smith
I would argue that we also have the Holy Spirit, sent by the Son of God, King Jesus on the Day of Pentecost. It ministers directly. I am thankful for both the Spirit and the Word.
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Stacey Owens
Its called baptism or anointing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, these three are one. Because it's the witness of God; it's greater. For this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son in you.
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SueW
I’m not really clear on whether you’re for, or against.
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Stacey Owens
I'm for the righteousness of God. Not the righteousness of man. You see we are created in the image of God. Which means no one has never seen God. The only one that has seen Him are the ones who are in His image. The image of God is life, humbleness, understanding, peace, and love through correction. The Father didn't call create man to judge the world or take vengeance. He created man to dwell within him because he has the breath of life dwelling in Him which is God who is life. If your in Him you should not be concern about the worldliness. The only concern should be in you should be that you please God and that your living the life He bestowed upon you according to His will. Judgement belongs to God. If you believe in the grace of God through Jesus Christ you should be walking by the faith of him and not by sight. Believers are in the world not concerned of it. Which means, your life is not yours but God's: (Being Holy as He is Holy). So I say if LGBQ want to walk according to the nature of the will of their desired flesh, then its their will. Only God can correct them. It won't effect me, I walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desire lust of my flesh according to my faith in Christ. Because Christ is my life. He is the kingdom of God. Amen
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Michael Hunt
The Christian Right legalizing discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and putting queer children with families who will not accept the reality of the child's sexuality is a direct attack against this community and it's going to do untold damage to children who simply want a loving home. Shame on Arkansas and Tennessee for putting Christianity above a child's well being.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Michael, Christian based adoption agencies are generally there as an alternative to abortion, and as such primarily deal with infant/newborn adoptions. Children that are abandoned or tossed out because of their sexuality are generally placed by state agencies, not Christian ones, so you are on point about the discrimination of the parents, not the child.
Two dear lesbian (now married) friends of mine adopted a child put up by the state whose Hispanic mother (an illegal immigrant) died in childbirth. The child was extremely hard to place in either foster or adoption care, and this couple had been waiting several years as foster parents to adopt. The young lady is now in college and doing well, and has grown into a well-adjusted and artistic young adult.
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Alexander Clarke
It is Arkansas what else would you expect from one of the poorest and ignorant states? It is the Deep South where they are still fighting the civil war. Once you get out of the Metro areas you have reached the center of stupid.
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James Trenton Smith
Congress Shall make no Law proscribing an Institution of Religion or the Free Practice thereof. That is the Law, and it is greater than you Pride. The church challenges the notion that "Kids" are queer at all. Common sense challenges the notion that there is even such a thing as a Christian "Left" and "Right". There is only One God....who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. "...Shame on Arkansas and Tennessee for putting Christianity above a child's well being..." The act of putting Christianity ABOVE all things in a child's life is exactly what Parents should do. I have seen you here before, Michael Hunt, deceiving and misleading people.
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Charles Hankins. Agreed and not by a few,it is in the Bible and Abomination No mistakes there or our Lord God.