Meeting Public Comments

Stacy Volmer

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate File 473. This bill undermines the best interests of children in foster care and adoption by allowing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity under the pretext of protecting sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. While religious freedom is a core value, it should not come at the expense of vulnerable children who need loving, supportive homes.This bill opens the door for foster and adoptive parents to reject, shame, or attempt to change LGBTQ+ children, putting their mental and emotional wellbeing at significant risk. Numerous studies show that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system and face higher rates of abuse, homelessness, and mental health challenges. Children need affirming and supportive caregivers not environments where their identities are invalidated.Furthermore, SF 473 sets a dangerous precedent by allowing taxpayerfunded discrimination. Foster care and adoption services should prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children, not the personal beliefs of adults. The bill also threatens the rights of LGBTQ+ prospective parents, limiting their opportunities to provide loving homes to children in need.I urge you to reject Senate File 473 and uphold the fundamental principle that every child deserves a safe, affirming, and supportive family. Please stand against statesanctioned discrimination and protect the best interests of Iowas most vulnerable children.

Jean McDonald

My greatest concern regarding this bill is merely a veil for the foster parents of a certain religious persuasion to engage in discriminatory practices in the care of an LGBTQ+ youth, even seeking "conversion therapy," which has been broadly linked by credible sources as being strongly connected to mental health decline and suicide. I plead with you to reject this bill, which further supports a fearful climate based in bigotry and discrimination.All these young people need is to be heard, seen, and provided the same resources and opportunity to grow and thrive as any one of their peers. Leveling judgments regarding their religious experience, gender identification . . . irrelevant. If a care provider feels uncomfortable taking a child into their home, they can merely decline that placement, can they not? Just say NO.