Kansas committee advances bill to bar preemptive exclusion of foster or adoptive applicants over beliefs on sexual orientation, gender identity

The House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care advanced House Bill 23‑11 to consideration for final action after a public hearing and a committee vote that divided members.

HB 23‑11, as described at the hearing by a representative of the Revised Statutes Office, would add a section to the state's child‑welfare code that "would prohibit the secretary for children and families from adopting, implementing, or enforcing a policy ... that would require a person to affirm, accept, or support a policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that may conflict with that person's beliefs," and would bar a per‑se exclusion of otherwise eligible foster or adoptive applicants on that ground. The bill also would allow a person aggrieved by a violation to seek actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief and attorney fees.

Supporters told the committee HB 23‑11 would protect Kansans of faith from being excluded from foster and adoptive service because they will not affirm a government position on sexual orientation or gender identity. Lance Kinzer of First Amendment Partnership told the panel similar litigation has arisen in other…