John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Senate Bill

S. 3279

119th Congress

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 20, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Kirsten Gillibrand

D - NY

Cosponsors

28

Quick Stats

Summary

This bill prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status in child welfare services. It aims to protect LGBTQ foster youth and expand the pool of qualified foster and adoptive parents.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status in child welfare services. It aims to protect LGBTQ foster youth and expand the pool of qualified foster and adoptive parents.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits discrimination in foster care and adoption based on LGBTQ status
Bans discrimination against prospective parents based on religion or marital status
Notes LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in foster care at 30% despite being small share of population
Prohibits subjecting foster youth to conversion therapy
Requires affirming placements for LGBTQ youth in care
Expands data collection on LGBTQ youth in child welfare system
Aims to increase available foster homes by eliminating discriminatory barriers

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Impacts LGBTQ youth in foster care facing discrimination, same-sex couples seeking to foster or adopt, single prospective parents, religious child welfare agencies with discriminatory policies, and children waiting for permanent placement.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3279, 119th Congress (2025). "John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-3279