John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

# Summary of HR 6181: John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to prohibit discrimination in foster care and adoption based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. It would prevent federally-funded child welfare agencies from denying services, licensing, or placement to LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples solely because of these characteristics. The bill also establishes nondiscrimination requirements for programs receiving federal child welfare funding. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would impact prospective foster parents and adoptive parents, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples; child welfare agencies and private organizations that receive federal funds; and children in the foster care system.

Currently, some states and religious organizations have exemptions allowing them to deny services based on religious beliefs, and this bill would restrict those exemptions for federally-funded programs. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced in the 119th Congress and remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill is named after civil rights icon John Lewis.