Texas House endorses ban on gay foster parents

4/20/2005 2:33 PM
By: Associated Press
 

(AUSTIN, Texas) - The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make the state the only one in the nation to bar gays from becoming foster parents.

The provision is an amendment to a bill revamping the Child Protective Services agency in Texas. It passed by a vote of 135-to-6 and was sent to the state Senate.

State Representative Robert Talton, who introduced the amendment, says his aim is to protect vulnerable children.

Arkansas had barred gay foster parents. But the law was declared unconstitutional in court in December.

Under the Texas bill, prospective foster parents would be required to state their sexual orientation. Homosexuals and bisexuals would be barred, and those already serving as foster parents would have the children taken away.

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