CHRISTIAN MOTHER WINS RIGHT TO ADOPT – She was initially barred due to her biblical views on gender and sexuality
In a landmark victory being hailed as a “huge win for religious freedom,” a Christian mother of five in the U.S. state of Oregon has been granted the green light to begin adopting children—despite initially being barred due to her biblical views on gender and sexuality.
Jessica Bates, a devout Christian and widowed mother of five, had long desired to open her heart and home to more children through adoption. But Oregon’s Department of Human Services insisted that prospective adoptive parents must affirm a child’s chosen gender identity or sexual orientation—without exception. Jessica, standing on her faith and conscience, objected.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in her favour, stating clearly that Bates cannot be excluded from adopting solely because of her Christian beliefs. While her lawsuit continues to unfold, the court confirmed that she may now proceed with the adoption process in the meantime.
The court emphasized that Oregon’s policy not only compels speech in favor of the state’s view of gender and sexuality but also censors those who hold to more traditional or biblical convictions.
“There is no question that they are infringements,” the court stated, highlighting that religious animosity was at play in the state’s treatment of Bates.
The ruling underscored a growing concern shared by many around the world: that people of faith are being pushed out of public life unless they abandon their convictions.
