Lawmakers Push New Bill to Protect LGBTQ+ Kids in Foster Care — ‘Every Child Deserves a Family

Lawmakers including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Angie Craig have reintroduced the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, a bill designed to protect LGBTQ+ children in foster care and support LGBTQ+ families who want to adopt.

The legislation would ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth by federally funded child welfare agencies and prohibit practices like conversion therapy. It also highlights that LGBTQ+ children are significantly overrepresented in the foster system and often face worse treatment than their peers.

Rep. Angie Craig, an LGBTQ+ adoptive parent, said the bill is deeply personal and stressed that every child deserves a safe, loving home—free from discrimination. She added that the legislation honors the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis by standing up for dignity, equality, and family for all.