Tennessee Senate Passes Bill Protecting Foster And Adoptive Families

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –

A bill protecting Tennessee foster and adoptive families from being forced to support policies regarding sexual orientation and gender identity that violate the family’s moral or religious beliefs has now passed in the Senate.

 Senate Bill 1738 (SB1738) passed as amended with 24 Ayes and 6 Nays with only Democrat Senators voting against the legislation.

The Senate bill, ponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington-District 32), enacts the “Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act” which would prohibit the Department of Children’s Services from requiring that potential foster or adoptive families affirm policies on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs.

Supporters of the bill believe that it assists in making sure that children are put in the best placements while also protecting much needed foster and adoptive parents from being turned away based on personal convictions.

The bill states that the Department must fulfill its duty to “make placements consistent with the best interests of the child.”

Sponsors of the bill, including Rep. Mary Littleton, have said the measure would expand the pool of willing foster parents while Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat, called the measure “cruel.”

The companion bill, House Bill 2169 (HB2169), sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78), has currently been placed on the House calendar for April 1, 2024.

Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. 

You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com