House child-welfare committee advances bill barring DCF policies that require affirmation of sexual-orientation or gender-identity beliefs

The Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care voted to advance House Bill 2311 during a committee hearing, moving the measure toward floor consideration after testimony from proponents who said the bill protects the religious liberty of prospective foster and adoptive parents and opponents who said it would endanger LGBTQ+ children in state custody.

The bill, as described by Jesse of the Revisor's Office, would add a new section to the revised Kansas code for care of children (chapter 65) prohibiting the secretary for children and families from adopting, implementing or enforcing a policy that would require a person to “affirm, accept, or support” a governmental policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity as a condition of being selected for out-of-home placement, custody for adoption, appointment as a permanent or sole custodian, or licensure. The measure would also allow a person aggrieved by a violation to seek damages, injunctive relief and attorney fees.

Supporters…