(WWJ) - Michigan officials vowed to continue their support of LGBTQ+ families who want to adopt or foster children in need after signing a settlement agreement in a discrimination lawsuit on Tuesday.
The lawsuit -- brought on by a private, faith-based adoption agency --challenged the Michigan Department of Human Health and Services' non-discrimination policy when adopting or fostering out children to people of the LBGTQ+ community.
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A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the similar case just months earlier allowed adoption agencies of religious origin to deny placing children in LGBTQ+ homes. State officials called the decision "binding" on Michigan and greatly reduces the MDHHs' ability to implement it's non-discrimination policy.
""While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we are committed to providing support to the many members in the LGBTQ+ community who want to open their hearts and their homes," said Demetrius Starling, executive director of the MDHHS Children's Services Agency.
Starling said many of the children who need adoptive homes have previously been exposed to trauma and abuse. Other children in the foster care system are waiting to be reunited with their families.
Starling commends any family who open up their hearts and their homes to help, regardless of their "orientation or gender identity or expression."
"MDHHS recognizes, values, affirms and appreciates the significant contributions made by the LGBTQ+ families caring for children in foster care and those choosing to adopt," Starling said. "We could not do this work without them."
Michigan works with several faith-based adoption agencies to place children from troubled homes with new families.
MDHHS said it is currently working to further engage with and build foundations with the LGBTQ+ community. Officials want to address any service gaps or program enhancements that can better assist the needs of LGTBQ+ families.
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"I applaud MDHHS's commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ families and our state's most vulnerable children," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release on Tuesday. "All children deserve the best opportunity possible to be placed with a loving and nurturing forever family, and it remains my honor to represent an agency with those enduring values."