Gov. Kay Ivey today signed into law a bill allowing adoption agencies in Alabama to follow faith-based policies, such as not placing children with gay couples.

"The elected legislature of this state overwhelmingly approved House Bill 24. Having served as President of the Senate for more than six years, I appreciate the work of the legislature, and I agree with it on the importance of protecting religious liberty in Alabama," Ivey said.

The House of Representatives last week gave final approval to the bill by a vote of 87-0, with six abstentions, concurring with a change the Senate made when it approved the bill.

"I ultimately signed House Bill 24 because it ensures hundreds of children can continue to find 'forever homes' through religiously-affiliated adoption agencies. This bill is not about discrimination, but instead protects the ability of religious agencies to place vulnerable children in a permanent home," the governor added.

Rep. Rich Wingo, R-Tuscaloosa, the sponsor of the bill, said the purpose was to make sure that faith-based agencies are not at risk of being forced to close because of decisions based on their beliefs.

"Very thankful to the governor that she believes in and stands up for religious liberty and religious freedom," Wingo said.

Critics of the bill say it will allow discrimination against gay couples.

"This bill obviously came about because same-sex marriage was approved," state Rep. Patricia Todd, who is gay and speaks out consistently on issues affecting the rights of gays, said last week. "It's based in a stereotype. And it's wrong. And we shouldn't discriminate and I will always fight that."

Wingo was asked to respond to the criticisms of those who say they bill allows discrimination.

"The bill is not to discriminate against anyone," Wingo said. "Nowhere in the bill does it say anything like that or lead you to believe that."

Wingo said most adoptions in the state are handled by secular agencies.

Child placing agencies that receive state or federal funds are not protected by the new law.

Similar legislation has passed in South Dakota, Michigan, North Dakota and Virginia, according to the Associated Press.

David Dinielli, deputy legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, issued a statement expressing disappointment in Ivey's decision to sign the bill.

"We are disappointed that one of the very first pieces of legislation Governor Kay Ivey chose to sign is a bill intended to target LGBT kids and stigmatize LGBT families," Dinielli said. "If the Governor had hoped to signal a new day in Alabama government, this was the wrong way to do it."

Eva Kendrick, state director of the Human Rights Campaign of Alabama, which advocates for civil rights for gay people, issued a statement critical of the legislation.

"We are deeply disappointed that the legislature and the governor took on this unnecessary, discriminatory bill instead of focusing on how to improve the lives of all Alabamians, no matter who they are or whom they love," Kendrick said.

Ivey, however, said it protects children who are in need.

"Alabama is a place where we care for our neighbors, and lend a hand to those we don't know. This bill ensures that the neediest among us, children who need to feel the love and security of a family, are cared for."

Updated at 7:26 p.m. to add statement from Eva Kendrick of the Human Rights Campaign of Alabama. Updated at 8:51 a.m. on May 4 to add information from the Associated Press.

