Originally published in the New York Times Opinion section.
To the Editor:
“Evangelical Adoption Agency Shifts to Serve L.G.B.T.Q. Parents Nationwide” (news article, March 2), about the laudable decision by Bethany Christian Services to work with L.G.B.T.Q. parents, affirms what many of us know: There does not need to be a conflict between living one’s faith and treating L.G.B.T.Q. people with fairness and dignity.
Bethany’s decision is particularly relevant as the Supreme Court considers the Fulton case, which could have lasting consequences by allowing adoption agencies to reject qualified parents simply based on who they are.
As the head of Equality Federation, which works to ensure that L.G.B.T.Q. people can thrive and provide for their families, I see firsthand how discrimination causes harm. And as an adopted person, I am forever grateful that my adoption agency’s top priority was finding me a home with loving parents, rather than turning people away based on religious beliefs.
Bethany’s decision to serve all families is a reminder that nondiscrimination protections and religion can exist side by side and ensures that more children can find forever homes. It’s a blueprint for how religiously affiliated organizations can and do work with L.G.B.T.Q. people.
Fran Hutchins
Minneapolis
