Vermont backs down on Christian adoption discrimination

In victory for parents’ rights and religious freedom, Vermont officials have reversed course after revoking foster-care licenses from Christian families who would not affirm gender identity ideology.

In a settlement after two families sued, lost in district court, and then appealed, the state agreed to change its policy and restore these families’ ability to foster and adopt children.

As part of the settlement in the case, known as Wuoti v. Winters, the Vermont Department for Children and Families revised its guidance such that foster families do not have to “endorse or affirm specific identities or use particular language related to gender identity, sexual orientation, or identity expression as a condition of licensure.”

Vermont also rescinded previous revocation decisions against Pastor Brian Wuoti and his wife, Katy, along with Pastor Bryan Gantt and his wife, Rebecca – all four plaintiffs. The families had lost their licenses after expressing religious beliefs that sex is binary and fixed.

Alliance Defending Freedom represented the families.

The Wuotis started fostering in 2014 and adopted two brothers. The Gantts started in 2016 and focused on caring for children with drug dependencies or fetal alcohol syndrome. They later adopted three children.

State officials revoked the Wuotis’ license in 2022 and the Gantts’ in 2024. Critics said Vermont imposed an ideological test that sidelined qualified families during a foster-care shortage.

ADF Senior Counsel Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse called the outcome a victory for both children and religious liberty.

“This is an incredible victory for children in Vermont’s foster-care system. No parent should be forced to lie to a vulnerable child about who they are, much less promote irreversible and life-altering procedures that don’t have any proven health benefits,” Widmalm-Delphonse said in the release. “And, unfortunately, other loving families have been unable to open their homes to children in need just because of their Christian worldview. We commend Vermont for respecting the religious diversity of foster parents and ending its exclusionary policy that deprived children of opportunities to find loving homes.”

The Wuotis expressed a similar sentiment.

 “We’re thankful that common sense won out and that Vermont has changed its policy to put children’s interests above divisive ideologies,” they said. “We’re grateful for one more opportunity to help give children a safe and loving home.”

Photo credit: ADF