Michigan Governor Signs Discriminatory Adoption Bill Into Law

Michigan's governor has signed a bill granting faith-based adoption agencies in the state the power to refuse to allow LGBT people to adopt, or place foster children in homes headed by LGBT Michiganders.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has quickly signed controversial legislation allowing adoption agencies that contract with the state to turn away prospective parents on religious grounds.

The new law takes effect immediately — in advance of the anticipated ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Michigan's same-sex marriage ban.

"The state has made significant progress in finding more forever homes for Michigan kids in recent years and that wouldn't be possible without the public-private partnerships that facilitate the adoption process," said Snyder in a statement.

"We are focused on ensuring that as many children are adopted to as many loving families as possible regardless of their makeup."

In a statement on its website, the Human Rights Campaign denounced the law. "Governor Rick Snyder has proven today that he has utter disdain for the welfare of children in Michigan and that he cares only about empowering backwards discrimination,” said Chad Griffin, president of HRC.

According to MLive , the new law, which largely codifies an existing Department of Human Services policy, seeks to stop "adverse action" against a private agency that contracts with the state to provide adoption services, including any attempt to strip state funding.

If an agency rejects a prospective parent on religious grounds, they would have to refer that parent to another agency and provide them with a written list of options.

In announcing the signing, Snyder’s office provided MLive with letters to the governor from the Michigan Catholic Conference and Bethany Christian Services, saying the agencies combine to provide roughly 25 to 30 percent of all foster care adoptions in the state.

The letter Bethany sent to Snyder warned that future policies may force faith-based agencies to "choose between their desire to help children and families and their fidelity to their religious principles."

MLive reported that religiously affiliated agencies in some other states, including Illinois closed their doors rather than comply with new regulations there requiring them to work with same-sex couples.

The legislation passed the state House in March and the Senate Wednesday.