New regulations require parents to use pronouns for children based on 'gender identity'
Couple denied foster license after gender ideology collides with Christian faith
Jennifer and Shane Degross explain their suit against the state of Washington after their foster care license renewal was denied, and Alliance Defending Freedom’s Christiana Kiefer explains the legal argument in the case.
A couple has filed a lawsuit against Washington state officials accused of denying their foster care renewal license because they will not abide by gender ideology rules that clash with their Christian faith.
During an appearance on "America’s Newsroom," Shane Degross said that when he went through the re-licensing process, he found new regulations and rules not present in previous years.
According to his wife, Jennifer DeGross, one of those rules required the couple to adhere to specific policies regarding "gender ideology."
"It’s disheartening and really unfortunate when the state puts their ideology above the needs of kids," Jennifer said.
IF YOU WANT TO FIX FOSTER CARE, HERE'S WHERE TO START
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed a federal lawsuit Friday against state officials who refused to renew Jennifer and Shane DeGross' foster-care license. (Courtesy of Alliance Defending Freedom)
Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing the couple, said that when they tried to renew their license with the foster-care licensing agency Olive Crest, the couple was informed the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) enacted new regulations "that require all foster parents to use a foster child’s inaccurate pronouns based on their perceived gender identity, not their actual sex."
The regulations also allegedly require parents to take children to "cultural events," such as pride parades.
DCYF officials allegedly denied their application despite repeated appeal attempts by Olive Crest.
Christian Kiefer, senior counsel with ADF, told co-host Dana Perino that Washington State is using an "ideological litmus test" to exclude people of faith from the foster care system unconstitutionally.
"Unfortunately, this is not the first time Washington officials have been caught violating the First Amendment in this exact same context," she added.
VIRGINIA WON'T FORCE CHURCHES, CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS TO HIRE NON-CHRISTIANS, PAY FOR GENDER TREATMENTS
Aerial view of Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Washington. (David Ryder/Getty Images)
Kiefer said she is eager to hold them accountable and to ensure that vulnerable children aren’t left sleeping in hotel rooms or unlicensed facilities but are instead placed in "safe" and "loving homes" like the DeGross.’
"We said that we would love and care for any child in our home. Those were requirements that we could just not abide by as Christians," Jennifer said.
The couple has been licensed for children between the ages of 2 and 18 for over 9 years. They claimed that they would only be able to care for a toddler if they followed the updated license processes.
"Every child deserves a loving home and when the state puts ideology up on children and when Christian families who exercise their faith are discriminated against — it only harms children and it decreases the number of foster families that can help provide a needed service," Shane said.
The DCYF did not return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Nikolas Lanum is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.
