In a contentious battle between religious freedom and state policy, two Christian couples are suing the state of Vermont for allegedly denying them the opportunity to become foster parents due to their stance on LGBT issues. Brian and Katy Wuoti, and Bryan and Rebecca Gantt claim they were rejected as prospective foster parents despite the state’s desperate need for safe homes for children, solely because of their religious beliefs. The couples, who have already demonstrated their ability to provide loving and stable homes, were deemed “ineligible” and had their licenses revoked after refusing to agree to take children to pride parades and respect their preferred pronouns.
The lawsuit alleges that Vermont officials prioritized “politics above people and gender ideology over children’s best interests,” leaving vulnerable children without the care they need. The couples’ lawyer argues that the state’s policy violates their constitutional right to free exercise of religion. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the balance between religious freedom and the state’s responsibility to protect the welfare of children. Will the court rule in favor of the couples’ right to foster, or will Vermont’s LGBT policy prevail?
 to retired priest Revd Sue Parfitt, 82, who is currently facing trial for criminal damage linked to a climate protest. Revd Parfitt is accused of damaging the protective glass surrounding the Magna Carta at the British Library during a protest in May 2024. Alongside a fellow activist, she allegedly broke the glass and glued herself to the display, holding a sign reading, ){kind=link}
