April 7, 2025 – Topeka, Kan.
Today, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed H.B. 2311, the Adoption Conscience Act. It simply ensures that the Secretary for Children and Families cannot adopt a policy that requires foster or adoptive families to affirm a government policy regarding sexuality or marriage that violates a sincerely held belief or prohibits that families selection or licensure to foster or adopt. It simply ensures that there is not a pre-emptive bar for families whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with the Department’s. It adds some clarity that the secretary is still allowed to consider the beliefs of the child or the child’s family when placing the child and ensure the child’s best interest.
It passed the House 84-38 and the Senate 31-9.
Statement from Brittany Jones, Director of Policy and Engagement:
“Unfortunately, the Kelly Administration has repeatedly shown its disdain for people of faith, especially those who seek to care for children in need of a safe home. Kansas has an ever increasing foster care crisis. Instead of finding ways to broaden the number of families available to care for children, the Administration has tried to find ways to make families comply with the government’s belief about sexuality and marriage, out right rejecting some from even being considered if they will not conform. H.B. 2311 is a simple bill that upholds the best interest of the child, while ensuring that families’ beliefs are not violated in the process.
We call on the House and Senate to override this veto immediately upon their return to Topeka!”
Media Contact: (785) 542-0220, media@kansasfamilyvoice.com
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Kansas Family Voice is a Christ-centered organization with a vision for a Kansas where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished.
