AZ Gov. Ducey signs bill protecting options, diversity among foster care providers

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s signing Wednesday of SB 1399, a bill ensuring that Arizona’s foster care service providers are able to continue serving Arizona’s foster children and foster parents according to their beliefs without fear of unjust government punishment:

“Every child deserves the chance to be cared for by a loving family. When faith-based foster care service providers are empowered to operate according to their beliefs, more providers can recruit and serve more foster families to provide more loving homes to children in Arizona’s foster care system. Leaving faith-based providers exposed to unjust government punishment because of their religious identity would lead to fewer opportunities for children to find such families. It would also leave the overburdened foster care system without the vital services they provide. Under SB 1399, Arizona’s faith-based adoption and foster care providers can continue to serve the state’s most vulnerable children in a manner consistent with the faith that inspires their service and unafraid of government discrimination. We commend Gov. Ducey, bill sponsor Sen. Sine Kerr, and other supporters in the Arizona Legislature for enacting these critical protections and keeping kids first.”

• Pronunciation guide: Chafuen (CHAFF’-wen)

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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