Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Opposed to Efforts to Stop LGBTQ Data Collection in the Adoption/Foster Care System
Washington, D.C. – Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Sean Patrick Maloney and Angie Craig expressed their opposition to the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) latest attempt to harm the LGBTQ community by removing specific data collection in its Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This move is the latest in a series of anti-LGBTQ actions from the Administration which undermine the significant progress the community has made in recent years and would harmfully impact people in the adoption and foster care system.
"Our goal should always be to find loving and supportive homes for kids in need," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, the first and only out Member of Congress from New York and a father of three. "This rule change is completely unacceptable. It will harm the safety and wellbeing of innocent children who are in our foster care system, and open the door to discrimination against parents who are ready, willing and able to provide a supportive home."
"Every child deserves a safe and loving home, but unfortunately LGBTQ children and parents face significant discrimination in the foster care and adoption system," said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) who has four sons with her wife Cheryl. "As a mother, and as someone who faced adoption discrimination for being a part of the LGBTQ community two decades ago, I strongly denounce Secretary Azar's rule change, and ask him to stand with children across the country who are seeking safe, supportive homes free from discrimination."
Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus, which is led by the seven openly LGBTQ+ members of Congress, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.