Vermont Drops 'Gender Ideology' Mandate for Christian Foster Parents

Settlement reached after lawsuit challenged policy requiring affirmation of LGBTQ identities

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The state of Vermont has ended a policy that required prospective foster parents to affirm the state's views on gender identity and sexuality, following a legal challenge from Christian foster families. The Vermont Department for Children and Families agreed to reinstate the licenses of four foster parents who had sued the department, and the new policy clarifies that the department will not consider an applicant's 'sincerely held personal, cultural, religious, moral, or philosophical beliefs' when determining eligibility for a foster care license.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between LGBTQ rights and religious freedom, as well as the need to balance ideological alignment with the pressing need for more foster families. The settlement marks a victory for religious liberty advocates, who argued the previous policy violated foster parents' constitutional rights.

The details

Under the previous guidelines, prospective and current foster parents were required to agree to affirm a child's self-identified gender, use a child's preferred pronouns, and support a child's chosen sexuality, even if it differed from their biological sex. The policy drew criticism from faith-based organizations and led to the revocation of licenses for several foster parents who objected on religious grounds. The lawsuit, brought by Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of the foster parents, argued the policy violated their First Amendment rights.

  • The Vermont Department for Children and Families officially ended the policy on February 18, 2026.
  • The lawsuit was filed more than a year and a half ago.

The players

Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF)

The state agency responsible for foster care licensing in Vermont.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)

A conservative legal organization that represented the foster parents in the lawsuit against the Vermont DCF.

Pastor Brian Wuoti and Katy Wuoti

A foster parent couple who had their license revoked under the previous policy.

Pastor Bryan Gantt and Rebecca Gantt

A foster parent couple who specialized in caring for children with drug dependencies or fetal alcohol syndrome, and had their licenses revoked under the previous policy.

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What they’re saying

“No parent should be forced to lie to a vulnerable child about who they are, much less promote irreversible and life-altering procedures that don't have any proven health benefits.”

— Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, ADF Senior Counsel (ADF statement)

What’s next

The settlement marks a significant shift in Vermont's approach to foster care licensing, prioritizing the need for more foster families over ideological alignment. Advocates for religious freedom hailed the decision as a crucial step in ensuring that qualified individuals are not excluded from providing loving homes for children in need.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between LGBTQ rights and religious freedom, as well as the need to balance ideological alignment with the pressing need for more foster families. The settlement represents a victory for religious liberty advocates, who argued the previous policy violated foster parents' constitutional rights.