A Woburn, Massachusetts couple has been stripped of their foster care license after declining to endorse a gender-affirmation policy mandated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Lydia and Heath Marvin, parents to three teenagers, have fostered eight children under the age of four since 2020. Their latest foster child, a medically fragile infant, was in their care for over a year.
Heath explained, “Our Christian beliefs guide us deeply. As James teaches, true religion involves caring for orphans.” The Marvins expressed willingness to continue fostering, but their license was revoked in April due to their refusal to sign DCF’s LGBTQIA+ Non-Discrimination Policy, which requires foster families to affirm the gender identities of children in their care.
Implemented in 2022, this policy obligates foster parents to recognize and support the LGBTQIA+ identities of foster children. Lydia shared, “We inquired about possible exemptions or accommodations. We assured them we would love and support any child, but we cannot compromise our Christian convictions on this matter. Ultimately, we were told to sign the policy as is or lose our license.”
After appealing the decision, the Marvins were unsuccessful and are now exploring their next steps. Meanwhile, two other Christian foster families have joined a federal lawsuit against DCF, filed by the Massachusetts Family Institute and Alliance Defending Freedom. The suit challenges the policy’s requirements that parents must accept a child’s LGBTQIA+ identity, use their chosen names and pronouns, and endorse gender-neutral clothing and appearance standards.
Sam Whiting, an attorney with the Massachusetts Family Institute, noted, “The lawsuit addresses both free speech and religious freedom issues.” Recently, the Trump administration sent a letter to DCF concerning the lawsuit, specifically referencing the Marvins. Andrew Gradison, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families, stated, “These policies are troubling, undermine the goals of child welfare programs, and violate First Amendment rights.”
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights argue that the policy is designed to safeguard vulnerable children. Foster parents in Massachusetts receive monthly stipends, but Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, emphasized, “The state must ensure children’s safety and well-being. Foster parents serve as temporary caregivers, providing a bridge until children can safely reunite with their biological families.”
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