Oklahoma SB 1140 would allow adoption and foster care agencies turn away qualified LGBTQ couples

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, released the following statement after lawmakers in the Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 1140. This anti-LGBTQ bill would allow adoption and foster care agencies to cite religion as a reason to discriminate and turn away qualified LGBTQ couples as well as Jewish, Muslim, or single Americans, or interfaith couples. 

“This heartless attempt by Oklahoma State Senators to write anti-LGBTQ discrimination into law puts young people who need to find a loving home in jeopardy,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “All of the leading medical and psychological authorities know that LGBTQ people are deserving parents who foster strong families. This law and other religious exemptions like it are not about the best interest of the state or children, but hiding anti-LGBTQ discrimination behind personal religious beliefs.”

This bill is similar to SB 375, which passed in the Georgia State Senate last month. For more information on accurately covering religious exemption legislation, such as these bills, please refer to GLAAD’s tip sheet: How to cover “religious exemptions” court cases, federal guidance, and legislation.
 

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