Advocates oppose Kansas House Bill allowing foster care discrimination against LGBTQ youth

The House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care convened on February 17, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2311, which has sparked significant controversy regarding its implications for LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system. The meeting featured testimonies from various advocates and experts who expressed strong opposition to the bill, highlighting concerns about its potential to harm vulnerable children.

Laurel Burchfield, Advocacy Director with Mainstream Coalition, opened the discussion by condemning the bill for allowing discrimination against LGBTQ+ Kansans under the guise of religious freedom. She argued that the legislation prioritizes extremist beliefs over the well-being of LGBTQ+ children, potentially forcing them into non-affirming homes. Burchfield emphasized that the bill could lead to harmful practices, such as conversion therapy, which she described as state-sponsored child endangerment.

Andy Connolly, a foster parent, shared his personal experiences with LGBTQ+ youth, stressing the importance of acceptance and support in their lives. He warned that the bill could exacerbate feelings of hopelessness among children who are already facing rejection in their homes. Connolly reassured foster children that they would be loved and accepted in his care, contrasting this with the potential harm posed by the bill.

Dr. Brianna McGough, an assistant professor specializing in LGBTQ mental health, raised concerns about the mental health impacts of the bill on LGBTQ+ foster youth. She pointed out that the legislation could lead to placement instability and increased risks of mental health issues, as it allows caregivers to impose their beliefs on children. McGough urged the committee to consider the broader implications for the child welfare system, including the burden placed on caseworkers.

Ashley Balza echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill would force children into environments that reject their identities, leading to isolation and emotional distress. She criticized the bill for prioritizing adult beliefs over the needs of children, calling it a betrayal of their safety and well-being.

Taryn Jones, Policy Director of Equality Kansas, highlighted the trauma associated with involvement in the child welfare system. She questioned the bill's contradictory stance on the best interests of the child versus the religious beliefs of foster parents, emphasizing that placing LGBTQ+ children with non-affirming families cannot be in their best interest.

The committee's discussions underscored a growing concern among advocates about the potential consequences of House Bill 2311 for LGBTQ+ youth in Kansas. As the meeting concluded, the testimonies reflected a unified call to oppose the bill, emphasizing the need for policies that protect and affirm the identities of all children in the foster care system. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the bill and its implications for child welfare in the state.