News Release: Catholic Conference Applauds House for Protecting Diversity and Religious Liberty in Child Placement Legislation

(Lansing, Mich.) — Michigan Catholic Conference released the following comments this afternoon after the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation with bipartisan support, House Bills 4188–4190, that recognizes diversity in child placement and protects the right of faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to operate according to their religious mission:

“We are grateful to the House for passing this legislation and now encourage the Senate to address these important measures soon,” said Tom Hickson, Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy. “Securing diversity in child placement and protecting religious liberty rights for faith based agencies will move children out of the foster care system. Without this legislation there will likely be fewer providers, which means fewer opportunities to find homes for kids that need them. For the sake of vulnerable children, let’s maintain the strong partnership the State has secured over the past five decades and respect the right of agencies to act according to their religious mission, as they always have.”

The legislation now heads to the Senate where it will await consideration in committee.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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