SPEAK OUT: Councilman Not Happy With Approval of ‘Conscience Clause’

The Virginia Senate passed a bill Thursday that would allow adoption agencies to deny placements based on sexual orientation and other factors but not to discriminate based on other characteristics, such as race, color or national origin, which are protected under federal law, according to a Washington Times story.

Senators approved House Bill 189 by a vote of 22-18. Senators Charles J. Colgan (D-Prince William) and Phillip P. Puckett (D-Russell) joined 20 Republicans in voting for the measure, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, The bill is known as the “conscience clause.”

In a statement Tuesday, City of Falls Church Councilman said it’s unconscionable that people are putting their personal beliefs in front of allowing children loving, nurturing, and secure environments. These children don’t have political agendas yet they do value or desire a place they can call home.

“This is not a conscience issues but an issue of pure discrimination and not taking into consideration that children are seeking loving and caring homes,” Webb said in his statement. “My partner and I have been together for over a decade and have every intention to adopt children. We both spend quality time with our nieces, nephews, and cousins helping expose them to opportunities that they might not otherwise be aware.”

Jeff Caruso, with the Virginia Catholic Conference said the clause is an affirmation of religious freedom, according to the Washington Times story.

Tell us: Do you think of the conscience clause and do you think it’s right? Speak Out in the comments.