Did you know that a bill mandating foster families to conform to “gender-affirming” ideology – regardless of their personal convictions – could pass the MA legislature at any moment?
H.4599, “An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care,” claims to protect foster children, but contains language that would eviscerate religious liberty for foster families, mandate radical ideology, and harm the very children it claims to protect. It discriminates against faith-based foster parents willing to help children in need, pressures families to compromise their beliefs, and threatens to worsen the foster care shortage.
This bill explicitly requires foster parents who have a child placed in their care to affirm gender ideology, codifying religious discrimination and potentially shutting out those who desire to provide loving, stable homes for vulnerable children.
H.4599 elevates an ideological agenda above the urgent needs of children, and if passed, will worsen the foster care crisis across Massachusetts. This harmful legislation must be rejected.
You can learn more about the bill in our brief here.
Because the 2026 legislative session is almost over, this bill could be brought forward for a vote at any time. Use our take action page to tell your legislators to vote NO on H.4599.
The future of foster care in Massachusetts is at stake. Take action today.
