LANSING, MI (WTVB) – While one group claims that discrimination would be permitted, another group counters that it protects religious freedom. Branch County’s representative in the Michigan House, Republican Eric Leutheuser of Hillsdale, is speaking out on the legislation. The State House Family, Children and Seniors Committee yesterday endorsed three bills that would provide protections for child-placement agencies that won’t participate in adoption requests that go against their religious beliefs. The votes went along party lines with 5 Republicans in favor and 3 Democrats against.
Backers claim that religious based agencies could be forced to close; opponents counter that homosexual couples could be discriminated against as a result. Leutheuser says that kids are at the center of this and that it’s not about grown-ups feelings. According to Leutheuser, the bills provide a diversity of options for people since no two families are the same, no two children are alike and they will be able to take advantage of whatever pathway works best for them.
The full House now takes up the matter.
