Oral argument for Fulton v. City of Philadelphia is scheduled for November 4, 2020.
Statement from Sam Brinton (they/them pronouns), Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project:
“As the largest suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, we know how vital family support is to mental health and wellness. According to The Trevor Project’s 2020 national survey, LGBTQ youth who reported high levels of social support from family and friends were significantly less likely to attempt suicide compared to those with lower levels of social support. It is unconscionable that any foster care agency would deny a child a loving home simply because that home is led by an LGBTQ couple.
“Licensing this form of discrimination would not only hurt prospective LGBTQ parents, but it would also jeopardize the health and security of LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system by further limiting the number of potential home placements, including those who might be more likely to understand their unique needs. LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in foster care due to increased experience with family rejection and stigma. A broad religious exemption to youth-serving agencies could have far-reaching and dangerous consequences, including the denial of LGBTQ-affirming health care or the potential subjection of LGBTQ youth to the discredited practice of conversion therapy — both of which are detrimental to LGBTQ youth mental health.
“Discrimination like this can make LGBTQ youth feel as though something is wrong with them just for being themselves. LGBTQ youth are beautiful the way that they are and deserve to be loved and supported. And for many, foster care or adoption may be their most realistic path to become a parent one day. All LGBTQ youth who hold that dream should be able to envision it for themselves without fear of discrimination.”
For more information, please see Lambda Legal’s press release and the full amicus brief.
