The House of Representatives passed the amended Respect for Marriage Act on Thursday, December 8th, 2022, in a 258-169-1 vote. Thirty-nine Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure, which had previously been passed in the House in July of this year. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature, which is likely to happen in
Politico reports that as conservative states pass legislation to block gender-affirming care for minors, families with trans children are leaving to protect their children. Almost 2 percent of high schoolers in the U.S. identify as trans, according to Politico, and they report starkly higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues compared
On Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Brackeen v. Haaland case about the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). “After more than three hours of oral argument, several justices expressed doubt about specific provisions of the wide-ranging law, even if they did not appear inclined to strike
On October 27th, CWLA hosted Protect ICWA, a webinar panel to discuss the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This webinar comes shortly before the Supreme Court hears Haaland v. Brackeen, a case seeking to declare ICWA unconstitutional. The case is scheduled for argument on November 9th. Panelists for CWLA’s webinar were Angela Connor
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protects American Indian and Alaska Native children in child welfare proceedings by keeping them in the care of extended family or tribes whenever possible. A fast-approaching challenge to ICWA will be heard by the Supreme Court in Haaland v. Brackeen this November. This case could have far-reaching effects on
On Friday, September 23rd, Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Don Bacon (R-NE), along with original cosponsors Representatives Cole (R-OK), Ruiz (D-CA) and Davids (D-KS), introduced the Strengthening Tribal Families Act, legislation designed to assist state and local child welfare agencies with implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which CWLA has endorsed. ICWA sets federal
On June 21, 2022, the Nonprofit Organization Adoptees for Justice held a Story Circle to bring awareness to the experiences of adoptees living without citizenship. They elevated the voices of two adoptees who live in the United States and two who were deported. Joe, Jang, Daniel, and Emily were all able to share their stories
By Alex Lord-Wilkinson, Policy Intern, Pizzigati Fellow On Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 the President issued an Executive Order (EO) on “Advancing Equality for LGBTQI+ Individuals.” The Executive Order directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other key agencies to establish initiatives to support LGBTQ children and families and address discriminatory state legislation.
On Friday, May 20th, the Government Accountability Office released its new report, “Foster Care: Further Assistance from HHS Would be Helpful in Supporting Youth's LGBTQ+ Identities and Religious Beliefs.” The report concluded that a majority of states have nondiscrimination protections for youth in foster care, but selected states and stakeholders identified challenges supporting youth with
On Wednesday, May 5th, 2022, during the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing about the President’s FY23 Health and Human Services Budget request, Senator Braun (R-IN) used his time to question Secretary Becerra about gender-affirming care, “a subject that is really creating controversy around the country.” Senator Braun