Anti-LGBT Christian couple angry their adoption application was rejected
A couple in Alberta, Canada are furious after their desire to adopt was blocked because of their anti-LGBT views.
The Christian couple claim laws on adoption discriminated against them due to their religious beliefs about homosexuality.
The couple say that while they passed the first course required for potential parents, a follow-up by officials which required them to answer questions about sexuality caused them to fail the process.
The couple say they accept that same-sex marriage is a legal reality, but they don’t support it and believe that homosexuality is wrong.
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms has filed a court application for a judicial review of the decision on behalf of the couple.
The statement filed in support for the application for judicial review said that, “the casework supervisor explained that our religious beliefs regarding sexuality were incompatible with the adoption process”.
The couple felt that this was unfair, claiming that they believed their views on sexuality would not have an impact on their ability to raise a child.
The couple were required to answer a number of questions, including one regarding what they would do as parents for a child who may be questioning their sexuality.
The couple told officials that children should be taught that sexuality should not be experienced or explored until a person is “an adult and is married.”
Aaron Manton, press secretary for Children’s Services Minister, Danielle Larivee, defended the adoption process, saying that “every adoptive child deserves a safe, healthy, loving and inclusive home.”
Manton went on to say, “we want to ensure that, in all cases, the adoption process gives both children and parents the best possible outcomes, which is why the application process is thorough and rigorous.”
According to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the application the government provides is requiring prospective adoptive parents to “discard their sincerely held religious beliefs”.
John Carpay, the organization’s president said, “Making determinations about who is suitable to adopt on the basis of their sincere religious beliefs violates this couple’s right to religious freedom and equality under the law.”
Canada is considered one of the more progressive countries in the Western world when it comes to LGBT rights, with Canada’s largest cities Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver among the most gay-friendly cities in the world.
Canada was one of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage nationwide, by 2005 all provinces recognised same-sex marriage.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau has made his views on LGBT rights very clear, even marching in Pride with his family for the second time this year as PM.
Trudeau has made clear his views on LGBT rights and equality, saying at Pride this year: “Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are unacceptable. In Canada we’ve come a long way, but there is still work to be done, both here in Canada and around the world.”
