Oregon Settles Lawsuit With Christian Mother Over Foster Care Adoption

The Oregon Department of Human Services has reached a settlement with Jessica Bates, a widowed mother of five, allowing her to proceed with her foster care adoption application. The agreement concludes three years of litigation after state officials initially denied her application because she refused to affirm a child’s gender transition or use preferred pronouns, citing her religious beliefs regarding biological sex and marriage.

Under the terms of the settlement, the state is prohibited from disqualifying Bates based on her religious convictions or requiring her to use language that contradicts her beliefs. The state also agreed to pay her legal fees. The settlement allows the department to continue considering a child's specific needs during placement, but it removes the requirement for prospective parents to adhere to state-mandated ideological language. Legal representatives from the Alliance Defending Freedom, who represented Bates, described the outcome as a victory for constitutional rights and the welfare of children in need of homes.