Two Massachusetts families have filed a federal lawsuit with Alliance Defending Freedom after the state revoked their foster licenses because of their religious beliefs. Under current rules, foster parents must affirm a child’s gender transition and use the chosen pronouns, even if it conflicts with their faith.
The families, the Joneses and Schrocks, have provided loving homes to dozens of children, including infants and toddlers. Massachusetts is now threatening to remove these children solely because of their parents’ beliefs. ADF argues this policy violates the First Amendment and prioritizes ideology over children’s well-being.
MCFL President Myrna Maloney Flynn commented: "We know that many of our supporters would love to welcome foster children into their homes, yet they often express concern that, because of current DCF requirements, they would have to contradict their core values to care for those children. We are hopeful that all who wish to foster and adopt will soon be able to do so freely in Massachusetts, without compromising their integrity."
Despite the current policy environment and ongoing legal battles, thousands of children in Massachusetts still need loving homes. Foster care and adoption remain life-affirming ways to make a real difference, and the process often takes time. This means that families who step forward now can change lives, even as lawsuits like Jones v. Mahaniah work their way through the courts. We encourage anyone called to care for children to explore fostering or adoption today, providing safety, stability, and love when it is needed most.