A federal judge in Washington state refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Christian foster parents Shane and Jennifer DeGross. Judge David Estudillo denied the state government\u2019s request to throw out the case, allowing the couple\u2019s constitutional claims to move forward.<\/p>\n

The DeGrosses say Washington required foster parents to provide resources that affirm children\u2019s sexual orientation and gender identity. They contend that, because of their religious beliefs, they applied for foster care using a waiver that limited certain requirements-such as avoiding pronouns contrary to a child\u2019s biological sex-and that they ultimately lost or were restricted in their licence. They argue this violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, and the court found they alleged enough facts for a likely First Amendment violation unless the state can meet strict scrutiny<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Alliance Defending Freedom represents the couple. <\/p>\n