Yesterday, during his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, President Trump praised the work of religious adoption agencies and promised to defend them from attempts to shut them down for operating according to their beliefs:

“We will always protect our country’s long and proud tradition of faith-based adoption. My administration is working to ensure that faith-based adoption agencies are able to help vulnerable children find their forever families, while following their deeply held beliefs.”

In response to the remarks, Terry Schilling, executive director of the American Principles Project, released the following statement applauding President Trump for standing with faith-based groups and prioritizing the needs of children and families:

“Since his election, President Trump has proven over and over that he is a true champion of the family in both word and action – and this is just the latest example.

“In the midst of nationwide crises such as the opioid epidemic which have displaced thousands of children, the work of faith-based adoption agencies to find them new and loving homes has been more critical than ever. Yet, the Left has shown its true colors in their discriminatory attacks on these agencies, putting ideology above the well-being of children.

“By defending these faith-based groups from closure, President Trump has made it clear that his administration is placing the needs of children and families first, and we commend him for doing so.”

Last year, APP was part of a broad-based coalition supporting the passage of the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, a bill that would protect faith-based adoption agencies and foster care providers from discrimination by state and local governments due to their religious mission.

To schedule an interview with Terry Schilling, contact Paul Dupont at (o) 202-503-2010 or pdupont@americanprinciplesproject.org.