Description: Massachusetts requires every foster-care family to promise that they will encourage a child to “transition” socially and medically, use a child’s chosen pronouns, and otherwise “affirm” without question a child’s desire to change their gender, even if doing so violates their faith. The commonwealth told two Christian families that they are no longer eligible to continue serving as foster parents because of their religious beliefs.
Following ADF lawsuit, Massachusetts removes gender ideology mandate from foster care licensing
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025
The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse regarding a policy change the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families enacted Friday with respect to licensing foster parents. The move comes after ADF attorneys filed the federal lawsuit Jones v. Mahaniah in September on behalf of two religious families challenging a regulation that excluded them from foster care because of their commonly held beliefs about human sexuality. In September, federal officials from the Administration for Children and Families also sent Massachusetts a letter asking them to withdraw the unconstitutional policy:
“Massachusetts has told us that this new regulation will no longer exclude Christian and other religious families from foster care because of their commonly held beliefs that boys are boys and girls are girls. Our clients—loving, caring foster families who have welcomed vulnerable children into their homes—as well as many other families affected by this policy, are eager to reapply for their licenses. This amendment is a step in the right direction and we commend Massachusetts officials for changing course. But this case will not end until we are positive that Massachusetts is committed to respecting religious persons and ideological diversity among foster parents.”
- Pronunciation guide: (Widmalm-Delphonse (VEED’-malm Del-FONS’)
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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