Stauber Demands Investigation After Massachusetts Couple Were Denied License to Become Foster Parents Due to their Catholic Faith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requesting that they investigate a case of discrimination against Kitty and Mike Burke of Massachusetts, who were denied a license to become foster parents due to their Catholic faith.

Despite their suitability and commitment, the Burkes had their application denied by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) over concerns they would not be affirming to a child who identified as LGBTQIA. This decision was based off their religious convictions and objection to certain medical procedures for minors. This was a violation of their right to religious freedom under the First Amendment and the Massachusetts Foster Parents Bill of Rights.

Of this decision, Congressman Pete Stauber stated, “There are countless children across the United States who are in desperate need of loving families, and there are simply not enough foster families equipped to meet this need. That’s why it is simply outrageous that this loving and qualified couple was blocked from fostering a child by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families due to their religious beliefs. Not only is this blatant discrimination, but it puts gender activism and trans ideology above the needs and well-being of at-risk children. As a devout Catholic and adoptive parent, I urge the OCR conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure the necessary steps are taken to rectify this injustice.”

Along with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Mary Miller (IL-15), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Randy Weber (TX-14), Don Bacon (NE-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Mike Kelly (PA-16), John Rose (TN-06), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Mike Bost (IL-12), James Baird (IN-04), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Jim Banks (IN-03), and Andy Biggs (AZ-05) have signed onto this letter.

Read Stauber’s full letter here.

The Burkes are more than qualified to become foster parents. They underwent a rigorous application process during which they were repeatedly acknowledged as strong candidates for adoption. They expressed their willingness to care for children with medical, mental health, and behavioral needs and were ready to welcome multiple children into their home to keep sibling groups together, reducing potential trauma.

As November is National Adoption Month, it is important to note that there are currently 114,000 American children and youth who need loving families.