Massachusetts denies Catholic couple fostering rights due to their ‘unsupportive’ faith: Lawsuit.
A Catholic Couple in Massachusetts Files Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination in Foster Care Application
A Catholic Massachusetts couple has recently filed a lawsuit against officials in the state’s Department of Children and Families, claiming that their request to foster children was denied due to their religious beliefs on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The federal lawsuit was filed this week by Michael ”Mike” Burke, an Iraq war veteran, and his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Burke, a former paraprofessional for special needs children.
The couple, who described themselves as “a loving couple who want to welcome children into their family,” have faced challenges in starting a family due to infertility issues and the high cost of private adoption, according to Boston.com.
As the lawsuit explains, the Burkes decided to apply to become foster parents through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. They underwent extensive training, interviews, and assessments of their home, health, and family life. A significant portion of this process focused on how they would support a child who identified as a member of the LGBT community.
Despite the couple’s willingness to parent a child with various needs and their understanding of the foster care system, their application was denied earlier this year. The reason given for the denial was that they “would not be affirming to a child who identified as LGBTQIA.”
The Burkes believe that their denial was due to their strong Catholic beliefs about marriage, sexuality, and gender identity. They hold the view that children should not undergo procedures attempting to change their biological sex.
The couple’s legal team has condemned the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for denying their request to foster, especially when the state is struggling to provide adequate housing for all the children in its care. They argue that religious families should be allowed to participate in foster care and adoption, as Massachusetts law permits people of faith to engage in society.
The lawsuit aims to prevent Massachusetts from denying foster applicants based on their religious beliefs. The Burkes are also seeking to have their request to foster granted and are pursuing nominal and compensatory damages for the difficulties they have faced.
Source: The Western Journal
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