2015 House Bill 4189 / Public Act 54

Let adoption agencies refuse adoptions that violate moral convictions

Introduced in the House

Feb. 13, 2015

Introduced by Rep. Harvey Santana (D-9)

To specify in statute that a “child placing agency” (private adoption or foster care agency) is not required to assist or participate in an adoption or placement that violates its written religious or moral convictions, including adoptions of a child by a homosexual. Also, to prohibit a state agency from discriminating or taking an “adverse action” against an agency for this reason.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

March 4, 2015

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 17, 2015

Amendment offered by Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-92)

To not extend the bill's provision if an agency "is not acting in the best interests of the child".

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-53)

To require the written statements of religious or moral convictions the bill specifies must be available to the public on request.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-53)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4133, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 4133 would provide for “second parent adoption” in Michigan law, whichy allows a party in a same-sex relationship to adopt his or her partner's biological or adoptive child without terminating the other party’s legal status as a parent.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Frank Liberati (D-13)

To add language stating that an agency exercising the choice the bill would sanction must comply with the state's Elliott-Larsen civil rights law.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Frank Liberati (D-13)

To add language stating that an agency exercising the choice the bill would sanction must comply with the federal civil rights act of 1964.

The amendment failed by voice vote

March 18, 2015

Amendment offered by Rep. Sam Singh (D-69)

To establish that if enacted the bill will go into effect 90 days afterwards.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 65 to 44 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 19, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services

April 28, 2015

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 10, 2015

Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)

To specify in statute that a “child placing agency” (private adoption or foster care agency) is not required to assist or participate in an adoption or placement that violates its written religious or moral convictions, including adoptions of a child by a homosexual. Also, to prohibit a state agency from discriminating or taking an “adverse action” against an agency for this reason.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

June 11, 2015