The bill amends Iowa's Code to protect the sincerely held religious or moral beliefs of child foster care providers and prospective adoptive parents regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Human Services from requiring individuals to affirm or support policies that conflict with their beliefs and from disqualifying them from providing foster care or adopting based on these beliefs. The bill also allows current or prospective providers and parents to take legal action if they believe their rights under this subsection have been violated, with the possibility of receiving injunctive relief and attorney fees.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while the department must prioritize placing children in stable home environments, it can still consider the moral and religious beliefs of both the child and the prospective foster or adoptive parent when determining the best placement. The definitions of "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" are aligned with existing sections of the Iowa Code. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that personal beliefs do not hinder individuals from participating in child welfare services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 237.10, 600.7A
Reprinted: 237.10, 279.78