In a landmark ruling last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that the state of Oregon violated the First Amendment rights of Jessica Bates, a devout Christian widow and mother of five. The court determined that Oregon disqualified Bates from adopting children from foster care solely because her religious beliefs prevent her from affirming certain aspects of gender ideology.
This decision in Bates v. Pakseresht, strikes a blow against government-mandated ideological conformity and compelled speech, rejecting policies that force individuals to endorse state-approved views on gender and sexuality. The ruling has profound implications for the Western United States, particularly in California, where several years ago, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill, SB 407, targeting faith-based foster parents. The bill requires potential foster parents, as part of the qualification process, to promise to encourage LGBTQ identities and behaviors in their foster children if they ever identify themselves as same-sex attracted or transgender.
“This Ninth Circuit ruling is a resounding victory for religious freedom and parental rights, affirming that governments cannot force families to ..."
