The state of Oregon has placed a heavy burden on conservative Christian families seeking to adopt by enacting Rule 413-200-0308. This new rule, which outlines the personal qualifications for potential adoptive parents and certified resource families, blatantly disregards the religious freedom of conservative Christians by forcing them to endorse the LGBTQ community.

The law claims to protect children by ensuring they are placed in homes with families that will support their sexual preferences and sexual confusion, however, by explicitly requiring applicants to “respect, accept, and support” the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression of the children in their care, the state has effectively barred conservative Christians from adopting.

Conservative, Bible-believing Christians hold to traditional views of marriage, sexuality, and gender roles. For any Christian who takes their faith seriously, the idea of being forced to accept and support lifestyles and identities that conflict with their deeply held religious beliefs is not only uncomfortable but also an infringement on their constitutional rights. The language of the law leaves no room for interpretation or accommodation of religious beliefs, further marginalizing Christian families.

One must question why the state is so eager to prioritize the endorsement of the LGBTQ community over the religious freedom of prospective adoptive parents. By doing so, Oregon is essentially telling Christians that their faith disqualifies them from providing a loving, supportive home for a child in need.

The law’s inflexibility also raises concerns that the state may be overstepping its bounds by dictating the beliefs and values of its citizens. Religious freedom is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, and it should not be trampled on by the government’s attempt to enforce a particular worldview.

“I have been saying for a quarter of a century that the greatest threat to our civil liberties is the ‘LGBTQ’ agenda promoted by the Democrats,” seminary professor and theologian, Robert Gagnon said in a social media post. “Expect Democrats to impose this in every state in the US over which they have power. I keep waiting for ‘Progressive’ Evangelicals to come up with reasons for voting Democrat comparable to such extreme measures.”

It’s disheartening to see the state of Oregon single out conservative Christians in such a discriminatory manner. There are countless children in need of loving homes, and these families are more than capable of providing that love and care. By enacting Rule 413-200-0308, Oregon has chosen to sacrifice the well-being of these children at the altar of political correctness.

Oregon’s adoption law demonstrates a blatant disregard for religious freedom and the rights of conservative Christians. By forcing them to endorse and support the LGBTQ community, the state is effectively banning these families from adopting. It’s time for Oregon to recognize the constitutional rights of all its citizens and reconsider the discriminatory implications of this law.