Oregon officials back off gender ideology mandate for mom seeking to adopt

Oregon officials have reached a legal settlement with Jessica Bates, a Christian woman seeking to foster or adopt children, ending a three-and-a-half-year legal dispute. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) agreed that it will not categorically disqualify applicants based on religious beliefs regarding gender and human sexuality.

Under the terms of the settlement, the ODHS will not consider Bates' religious views when evaluating her application for adoption certification. The department also agreed not to regulate her speech concerning gender and sexuality. This follows a 2022 denial of her application, which the state based on a policy requiring applicants to agree to respect, accept, and support the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression of children placed in their care.

Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, stated that the settlement protects constitutional rights and prioritizes the interests of children. Alliance Defending Freedom represented Bates throughout the legal proceedings.