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Committee passes bill to protect faith-based participation in foster and adoption services
Summary
House Bill 13-89, which the committee passed 8–4, would create a statutory cause of action and defensive protections for people and faith-based organizations that contend they were discriminated against for acting on sincerely held religious beliefs when participating in foster or adoption services; proponents say it broadens the pool of caregivers, critics warn about oversight and child-safety risks.
Representative Lindauer introduced House Bill 13-89 to protect individuals and faith-based organizations that participate in the state foster- and adoption-care systems from adverse action when acting on sincerely held religious beliefs. Sponsors said the measure is meant to expand the pool of foster and adoptive resources by assuring ministries and religious organizations that they can participate without losing their religious identity.
Witnesses from the Indiana Family Institute, the Indiana Catholic Conference and other faith-based groups testified in support, saying similar laws in other states have increased foster-home capacity. Supporters pointed to examples and litigation in other states where faith-based organizations faced long legal fights and sought statutory certainty.
Several committee members raised concerns about oversight and nontraditional placements, with Representative Garcia Wilburn warning that informal or insufficiently supervised placements could harm children. The sponsor and supporters said existing DCS background checks and policy safeguards would remain in force and that the bill was designed to work within current child-welfare rules. After discussion the committee approved the bill 8–4.
