Ontario foster child service rejects couple for Christian beliefs

Ontario foster child service rejects couple for professing Christianity

June 20, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) — A northern Ontario couple has filed a court application against Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Services ("Child Services") over its decision to reject their application to become foster parents.

In November 2017, the couple "A.A." and "B.A.," who have three biological children of their own and for their sakes wish to remain anonymous, applied to become foster parents. They started the required training in January 2018 and completed it successfully in March, after which a Child Services social worker interviewed the couple.

The social worker asked A.A. questions regarding his religious beliefs, including whether his church "still believes in some of the more outdated parts of the Bible." He responded that his church believes and adheres to all of the Bible.

The social worker then commented that her son is gay and that her son had been told by churches in the past that homosexuality is a sin. A.A. explained that although the Bible does identify homosexual behaviour as sinful, he believes all people are created in the image of God and are worthy of respect, dignity and honor.

He further explained that, in accordance with their beliefs, he and his wife would provide any child in their care with unconditional love, respect, and compassion, and would vigorously defend all their children from harassment and bullying.

The couple heard nothing from Child Services for the next six months.

Then, on October 24, 2018 they received a letter from Child Services communicating its decision to dismiss their application to foster. The letter stated, "We feel that the policies of our agency do not appear to fit with your values and beliefs and therefore, we will be unable to move forward with an approval for your family as a resources home."



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