COLAGE applauds the introduction of a federal bill that would restrict federal funds for states that discriminate in adoption or foster programs on the basis of marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Every Child Deserves a Family Act (HR 3827) would be an important step by the Federal government in making it clear that discrimination against our families is not acceptable and would also benefit children who would have the opportunity to be matched with qualified loving, homes despite the parents' martial status, sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was introduced by Representative Pete Stark (D- CA).

At COLAGE we know that what children need are parents who are capable of and committed to parenting and loving them. This bill affirms that truth and will benefit thousands of children. Currently there are an estimated 500,000 children in the United States foster care system and over 129,000 are legally available for adoption. Unfortunately nearly 25,000 foster children a year are "aged out" of the system and never find a permanent family.

Chiah Connolly-Ingram, COLAGE Intern, shared, "As an adopted daughter of two lesbians I have gotten a loving family and I think that this bill is important because I want others to have the chance of being adopted too."

Adoption policies with regards to LGBTQ parents vary from state to state. Although Florida is currently the only state with an outright ban on adoption by LGBTQ individuals, seven states either restrict adoption by LGBTQ individuals or couples or have laws and policies that also bar unmarried couples- both LGBTQ and straight from being foster and/or adoptive parents. One-third of child welfare agencies currently reject LGBTQ applicants or have policies that give preferential treatment to married, heterosexual couples. Policies such as these send the message to people with LGBTQ parents that their families are not equally valued.

Take Action! Contact your legislator today and tell them to sign on as a co-sponsor of HR 3827. Help COLAGE ensure that children of LGBTQ families gain the rights, recognition and respect that every family deserves. Click HERE to look up your Representative.

For more information, or to get involved with the COLAGE Speak OUT program and to share your story to raise awareness about this bill, contact Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director.