Relating to foster or adoption parents sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender idenity

HB 2153 prohibits the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services from requiring foster or adoptive parents to affirm, accept, or support government policies regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. It prevents the department from denying eligibility or authorization for fostering or adoption based on such beliefs, and bans per se rules that automatically disqualify parents due to their views. The bill requires that placement decisions still prioritize the child's best interests, while allowing the department to consider the religious beliefs of the child or their family of origin. It does not override existing duties to make individualized placements consistent with the child's welfare.