Equality North Dakota is a statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights organization.  We are here to voice our opposition to Senate Bill 2188. This bill gives state-licensed agencies free reign to discriminate against adoption applicants, with full protection of the law.

If this bill is passed, it could mean that single persons would be taken out of the adoption pool of prospective parents. A Christian-based agency could refuse to place children with Muslim families. Another agency might insist that only families with a stay-at-home mom would be considered. Some might object to placing a child with parents of a different race. The examples are endless.

North Dakota has close to 400 children waiting for an adoptive family. The majority of these children are without a permanent, stable home one to two years before adoption. Allowing agencies to disqualify applicants based on unlimited religious or moral views is not in the best interest of those children waiting for a home. This bill also raises questions regarding conflicts with federal and state constitutional protections against the government endorsement of religion.

We at Equality North Dakota are convinced that this bill is also aimed at legislating the exclusion of gay and lesbian individuals and couples from the adoption pool. A male gay couple from Bismarck adopted a baby boy almost two years ago. Certain individuals and agencies tried diligently to stop the adoption process. They were not successful.

There is no scientific basis to believe that lesbians and gay men cannot be good parents. Research shows that lesbian and gay parents are as fit, effective, and successful as heterosexual parents. Children of gay parents are as emotionally healthy, socially adjusted, and educationally successful as children raised by heterosexual parents.

Many professional psychological and child welfare groups agree that sexual orientation is not a valid reason for excluding individuals from the adoption pool. You were given a fact sheet with statements from six well known mainstream organizations. You also have another fact sheet with some statistics concerning lesbian and gay couples and children in lesbian and gay families.

At a time when many North Dakotans are looking for ways to make our state a more welcoming and inviting place, this bill sends the message that individuals who are perceived as “different” are not truly welcome and entitled to the same rights and protections as others.

Equality North Dakota urges the committee to recommend “Do Not Pass” on Senate Bill 2188. Thank you.