LGBT advocates express opposition to Kansas adoption bill

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gay rights advocates from across the country arrived at the Kansas Capitol to oppose an adoption bill that they see as a civil rights setback.

The proposal would prevent the state from withholding grants or contracts to faith-based agencies that refuse to place children into homes that violate their religious beliefs. The measure needs approval in the House after passing the Senate.

Supporters say the proposal helps secure the rights of the agencies themselves, the foster care system is overloaded and these protections are needs to insure faith-based agencies remain in service.

Critics contend the bill will allow religious agencies to freely discriminate against same-sex Kansas residents looking to adopt.

Last month, the state reported there are 7,540 children in foster care. The number was 5,711 a decade ago and has been consistently increasing.

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The Gayly. April 26, 2018. 5:45 p.m. CST.