California Targets Christian Foster Parents Under New SB 407 Law

California’s enforcement of SB 407 is forcing Christian foster parents with traditional beliefs on gender and sexuality out of the foster care system. This law, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, requires all foster parents to affirm a child’s chosen gender identity or sexual orientation—neutrality is no longer an option under guidelines issued by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

The CDSS directive states that failing to affirm a child’s identity is considered a threat to their health and safety, potentially leading to the denial of foster care applications or revocation of existing licenses. Critics argue this policy unfairly labels traditional Christian beliefs as harmful and unconstitutional.

Faith-based legal organizations and advocates warn of broader implications for religious freedoms and parenting rights. Kevin Snider of the Pacific Justice Institute cautions that the law could lead to more government overreach, affecting all parents who hold beliefs conflicting with state ideology.

With over 25,000 foster children in Los Angeles County alone, the shortage of foster families is severe. Christian foster parents, who have historically stepped in to fill this gap, now find themselves sidelined, despite Supreme Court rulings like Fulton v. City of Philadelphia affirming their First Amendment rights.

“This law discriminates against families willing to love and care for foster children but unwilling to compromise their deeply held beliefs,” said Greg Burt of the California Family Council.

Read more about the legal fight and challenges facing foster parents at the California Family Council and watch coverage of SB 407 hearings on YouTube.