MA Families Challenge DCF’s Gender Affirmation Policies

Rights groups filed a complaint against the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) in September in defense of two Christian foster families, alleging that DCF is unconstitutionally denying the families foster children because their beliefs about sexuality do not align with the gender affirmation policies of the department.

The Details: The complaint, Jones v. Mahaniah, states, “If a family does not walk in lockstep with DCF’s radical demands, DCF revokes their license… Both families will provide a loving and respectful home for any child, including transgender, gay, or lesbian foster children. But that is insufficient for Massachusetts.” It calls the department’s constitutionality into question due to the requirements “forcing these families to speak against their core religious beliefs.”

DCF Policies: The Massachusetts DCF requires the use of “supportive, gender-neutral language” and directs, “Transgender youth have the right to be identified by the name and pronouns that accord with their gender identity and to wear clothing consistent with their gender identity.” Policies further assert, “A youth has the right to be free from religious indoctrination that condemns or puts down a youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”

Other Cases: Similarly, another Massachusetts family sued DCF in 2023, alleging the department denied them foster care approval due to their Catholic beliefs. Alternatively, an Oregon court ruled in favor of foster mother Jessica Bates in July, not requiring her to comply with state gender affirmation laws due to her religious beliefs. 

How The Media Covered It: The story was mainly covered by media outlets on the right but did not receive widespread national coverage. Fox News (Right bias) noted that one of the families “cared for 28 foster children over six years.” An opinion writer for the Boston Globe (Left) wrote, “In a state that struggles to care for foster children, it’s foolish to turn away proven parents who have objections to a policy that only hypothetically applies to them.”

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