Groups want delay of Virginia adoption rules

A coalition of groups, including Equality Virginia and the American Civil Liberties Union, is pushing Virginia’s State Social Services Board to delay implementing new regulations the groups say could allow adoption agencies in Virginia to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

The board voted 7-2 last month to reject a proposal that would prohibit discrimination during the adoption process based on sexual orientation, instead adopting rules barring discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli had advised the board it lacked the authority to bar discrimination against gays.