HB 2311 ensures that families cannot be turned away from adopting or fostering simply for their beliefs about sexuality and marriage.
"We know this happened in Kansas; it's happened in other states," notes Brittany Jones of Kansas Family Voice. "From now on, families cannot be discriminated against in this way."
Governor Laura Kelly (D) vetoed the bill earlier this week, saying the top priority of the Kansas Department for Children and Families should be adhering to the best interest of the child standard. She said legislation like the Adoption Conscience Act "detracts from this standard" and stands in the way of best serving those in the child welfare system.
"Children in need of care already face unique and complex challenges," said Kelly. "I will not sign legislation that could further complicate their lives."
Jones said the legislature's override is more reason to not give up when vetoes occur.
"I was speaking with one of the Kansans who were denied foster care, and he said this is the redemption of our story," she relays. "Every story is redeemable, and every story has value, and none of it's wasted."
Eight years ago, Kansans barely had a majority to pass the Adoption Protection Act. Now, they passed the Adoption Conscience Act with a supermajority in both chambers (84-38 in the House and 31-9 in the Senate).
"So, never give up," she urges. "Stay faithful, and keep praying."
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is also pleased to see the legislature override the governor's veto.
"Every child deserves a loving home that can provide them stability and opportunities to grow," Senior Counsel Greg Chafuen said in a statement. "The Kansas Legislature correctly voted to override Gov. Kelly's misguided veto. This is a critical step to prioritize the well-being of kids by prohibiting state and local government officials from discriminating against adoption and foster care providers and parents simply because of their religious beliefs and moral convictions."
ADF commends the Kansas Legislature for its leadership and steadfastness as well as Kansas Family Voice for its "monumental work on this important effort" at a time when other states are putting politics over people by excluding caring families and faith-based adoption and foster care organizations from helping children find loving homes.
The new law takes effect immediately.
