John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

S. 3279 would prohibit child welfare service providers that receive federal funding from discriminating against children, families, and individuals in foster care and adoption services based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status. The bill would also prevent discrimination against foster youth themselves because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. If enacted, the bill would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withhold federal funding from agencies found to be engaging in such discrimination and would require HHS to provide technical assistance to help agencies comply with the new requirements. The bill would also establish a private right of action, allowing individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination to sue in federal court for relief. Currently, the bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.