Missouri attorney general opposes proposed federal rule aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ foster kids

Attorney General Andrew Bailey claims the proposal amounts to religious discrimination. But Missouri’s child welfare agency already offers guidance to foster care providers to use a child’s "preferred name and pronouns" and provide "physically and emotionally safe and supportive care and resources regardless of one’s personal attitudes and beliefs."
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey this week joined with 18 other states to oppose a proposed federal rule that aims to protect LGBTQ youth in foster care and provide them with necessary services.

The attorneys general argue in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that the proposed rule — which requires states to provide safe and appropriate placements with providers who are appropriately trained about the child’s sexual orientation or gender identity — amounts to religion-based discrimination and violates freedom of speech.

“As a foster parent myself,” Bailey said in a news release Tuesday, “I am deeply invested in protecting children and putting their best interests first.”

“Biden’s proposed rule does exactly the opposite by enacting policies meant to exclude people with deeply held religious beliefs from being foster parents.”