Oregon Settles with Mother Denied Foster Care Adoption Over Religious Beliefs

<p>Jessica Bates, a widowed mother of five from Oregon, has reached a settlement with the state that allows her to continue pursuing adoption after being denied due to her Christian beliefs regarding gender identity. Bates completed Oregon's foster care training but raised concerns about requirements that conflicted with her beliefs, including affirming a child's gender transition.</p><p>Bates stated in an interview that the state required her to display pride flags and support children who identify as LGBTQ+, which she felt conflicted with her faith. She described a conversation with state officials where they asked if she would take a child to hormone injection appointments, which she refused.</p><p>After beginning the certification process in March 2022, Bates was denied her application in September 2022, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented her. Bates expressed that gender affirmation for a child who believes they are a different gender is akin to child abuse and raised concerns about the effects of gender transition hormones.</p><p>Bates noted the difficulty of being unable to adopt while many children remained in the foster care system. She also shared her personal experience of loss, having lost her husband in a collision in 2017, and her desire to provide a loving home for children in need.</p><p>In March 2023, the Alliance Defending Freedom filed a federal complaint on Bates' behalf. Following a ruling against her, they appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, seeking access to Oregon's adoption system without discrimination. In July 2025, the 9th Circuit ruled that Bates could begin the process of adopting siblings from foster care while her lawsuit progresses.</p><p>Bates expressed her intention to continue the adoption process despite changes in her family life, including becoming a grandmother and her oldest son moving in with her due to high living costs.</p><p>The Oregon Department of Human Services was contacted for comment but did not respond immediately.</p>