Tennessee Child-Placing Agency Religious Freedom Bill (SB 1304)

SB 1304 would—to the extent allowed by federal law—prohibit a private licensed child-placing agency from being required to perform, assist, consent to, refer, or participate in any child placement for foster care or adoption that would violate the agency’s written religious or moral convictions.

The bill would prohibit the state from denying an application for a license or revoking the license of a private child-placing agency due to the agency’s refusal to participate in a placement that violates their written religious or moral convictions or policies.

The bill would prohibit the state from denying to a private licensed child-placing agency any grant, contract, or participation in a government program due to the agency’s refusal to participate in a placement that violates their written religious or moral convictions or policies.

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If passed, the law would allow child adoption and foster placement agencies the right to discriminate in, or refuse, the services they offer to LGBTQ families and children.

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Related Legislation

Companion bill to HB 836.

Similar to HB 1152/SB 848.

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Latest Action

2/7/19 – Introduced.

4/23/19 – Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee (6-2).

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People