Oregon ends adoption block on Christian widow after First Amendment ruling

After an appeals court signaled that Oregon would probably lose a First Amendment suit brought by Jessica Bates, the state accepted a stipulated judgment that revives her adoption request. The ruling bars Oregon from refusing her application due to her belief that marriage belongs in a traditional framework and that people should live according to their biological sex. It also forbids the state from compelling her to use prescribed pronouns or other gender-affirming language when discussing a child's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Although Oregon retains discretion to evaluate whether an applicant can meet a child's particular needs, it may not categorically exclude Bates from any placement because of her religious convictions. The judgment requires the state to pay Bates' attorneys' fees. Alliance Defending Freedom, representing Bates, said the decision cements a prior injunction that let her restart the adoption process this year.