Court says Christian mom can discriminate against LGBTQ+ foster kids

A Christian mother of five in eastern Oregon has gotten the okay from a federal court to proceed with her application to foster or adopt children, despite her refusal to affirm their gender identities.

In 2023, Jessica Bates sued the state for turning down her initial application after she refused to abide by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ requirement to affirm the gender identity of any child under her care.