State of Alabama Archives: on Families & Children
Arnold Mooney:
Voted YES on churches declining foster kids to LGBT couples
Legislative Summary: Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: The Legislature finds:- Alabama provides state licensed child placing services through various state, charitable, religious, and private organizations.
- Religious
organizations have a lengthy history of providing child placing services.
- The right to free exercise of religion for child placing agencies includes the freedom to refrain from conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs [such
as foster child placement with same-sex couples].
- Because some private entities provide child placing services have no religious beliefs, the religiously-compelled inability of the entities to provide child placement will not prevent any particular
individual from alternative equal access to child placing services.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 60-14-1 on March 16; Rep. Mooney voted YES; passed Senate 23-9-0 on April 18; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 27.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: HB 24
Apr 27, 2017
Arnold Mooney:
Adoption/foster care agencies may reject LGBTQ parents
HB24 Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: This bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against child placing agencies on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placement that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.
Analysis by HRC.org: The bill enshrines discrimination into Alabama law by allowing some state-licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject qualified prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency's religious
beliefs. HB24 allows state-licensed child-placing agencies turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-9-3, Roll #650 on Apr/18/2017; Passed House 87-0-18, Roll #621 on Apr/27/2017; State Rep. Arnold Mooney voted YES; Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Apr/27/2017.
Source: HRC.org on Alabama legislative voting record HB24
Apr 27, 2017
Barry Moore:
Adoption/foster care agencies may reject LGBTQ parents
HB24 Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: This bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against child placing agencies on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placement that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.
Analysis by HRC.org: The bill enshrines discrimination into Alabama law by allowing some state-licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject qualified prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency's religious
beliefs. HB24 allows state-licensed child-placing agencies turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-9-3, Roll #650 on Apr/18/2017; Passed House 87-0-18, Roll #621 on Apr/27/2017; State Rep. Barry Moore voted YES; Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Apr/27/2017.
Source: HRC.org on Alabama legislative voting record HB24
Apr 27, 2017
Bill Hightower:
Adoption/foster care agencies may reject LGBTQ parents
HB24 Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: This bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against child placing agencies on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placement that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.
Analysis by HRC.org: The bill enshrines discrimination into Alabama law by allowing some state-licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject qualified prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency's religious
beliefs. HB24 allows state-licensed child-placing agencies turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-9-3, Roll #650 on Apr/18/2017; State Sen. Bill Hightower voted YES; Passed House 87-0-18, Roll #621 on Apr/27/2017; Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Apr/27/2017.
Source: HRC.org on Alabama legislative voting record HB24
Apr 18, 2017
Chris Sununu:
Accommodate infants in workplace; support paid family leave
We must provide greater flexibility in our workforce. We established our Infants in the Workplace Initiative, which will allow state employees to bring their infants to work in the early stages of life, which will keep our
state competitive and provide immense benefits to family.Senator Jeb Bradley's bill which I wholeheartedly SUPPORT is the only shot at delivering a viable voluntary paid family leave program that does not contain an income tax. Let's get it done.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 13, 2020
Doug Jones:
Supported women accusing opponent of sexual misconduct
As Trump and the Republican National Committee repeatedly rallied behind Roy Moore and dismissed the allegations against him, Jones' lead in the polls tightened. His campaign then decided to toughen its rhetoric against
Moore and vouch for the nine women who came forward with accusations against him. "Those brave women are entirely credible, they're telling the truth," said Jones. "Moore will be an embarrassment to the people and businesses of Alabama."
Source: Newsweek magazine on 2017 Alabama special Senate race
Dec 10, 2017
John Rogers:
Skipped vote: churches declining foster kids to LGBT couples
Legislative Summary: Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: The Legislature finds:- Alabama provides state licensed child placing services through various state, charitable, religious, and private organizations.
- Religious
organizations have a lengthy history of providing child placing services.
- The right to free exercise of religion for child placing agencies includes the freedom to refrain from conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs [such
as foster child placement with same-sex couples].
- Because some private entities provide child placing services have no religious beliefs, the religiously-compelled inability of the entities to provide child placement will not prevent any particular
individual from alternative equal access to child placing services.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 60-14-1 on March 16; Rep. Rogers voted PRESENT; passed Senate 23-9-0 on April 18; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 27.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: HB 24
Apr 27, 2017
Kay Ivey:
Support Alabama Girls State patriotism & Americanism
Alabama Girls State is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the US. Girls State is a week-long, fun-filled, hands-on learning opportunity for the best and brightest young women in the State of Alabama.
The program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.The program epitomizes the American Legion Auxiliary's mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded
in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels. The program is an immersion learning experience of learning, experience,
memories, and friendships last a lifetime.
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey was fortunate to attend Alabama Girls State as a rising High School Senior and the first Alabama Girls State Alumnus to be elected to a statewide constitutional office in Alabama.
Source: Alabama Lt. Gov. official website, "Initiatives"
Apr 7, 2017
Kay Ivey:
Churches may decline foster kids to same-sex couples
Legislative Summary: Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: The Legislature finds:- Alabama provides state licensed child placing services through various state, charitable, religious, and private organizations.
- Religious
organizations have a lengthy history of providing child placing services.
- The right to free exercise of religion for child placing agencies includes the freedom to refrain from conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs
[such as foster child placement with same-sex couples].
- Because some private entities provide child placing services have no religious beliefs, the religiously-compelled inability of the entities to provide child placement will not prevent any
particular individual from alternative equal access to child placing services.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 60-14-1 on March 16; passed Senate 23-9-0 on April 18; signed by Gov. Ivey on April 27.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: HB 24
Apr 27, 2017
Kay Ivey:
Adoption/foster care agencies may reject LGBTQ parents
HB24 Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: This bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against child placing agencies on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placement that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.
Analysis by HRC.org: The bill enshrines discrimination into Alabama law by allowing some state-licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject qualified prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency's religious
beliefs. HB24 allows state-licensed child-placing agencies turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-9-3, Roll #650 on Apr/18/2017; Passed House 87-0-18, Roll #621 on Apr/27/2017; Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Apr/27/2017.
Source: HRC.org on Alabama legislative voting record HB24
Apr 27, 2017
Kay Ivey:
No gender-affirming surgery; no transgender bathrooms
All three GOP candidates for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat voiced support for Alabama's recent passage of legislation involving LGBT issues, including an amendment modeled on Florida's so called˙"Don't Say Gay" bill.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the two bills into law [this week]. One criminalizes gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth. Another requires students use the bathroom of the "biological sex" listed on their birth certificate and, in an amendment modeled on
Florida's law, prevents classroom discussion of topics "regarding sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The legislation comes just a year after Alabama passed a bill to˙remove anti-gay language˙
from its sex-education standards. The state's sex education standards still emphasize abstinence but language about homosexuality being illegal and unacceptable was removed in 2021.
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Apr 13, 2022
Luther Strange:
Don't require contraception in company health plans
On March 22, 2012, Strange filed a motion with the US District Court in Birmingham, Alabama to become co-plaintiff alongside EWTN Global Catholic Television Network in its existing suit against the federal government for requiring employers to
provide contraception coverage in their businesses' healthcare plans.
The organization's file claim was that the mandate violates the convictions of religious employers, and Strange agreed, citing his statutory responsibilities to protect the missions of Alabama charitable institutions against this "interfering"
federal regulation. He pledged to throw the weight of the office behind EWTN, which Strange said is "the largest religious media network in the world."
Source: Ballotpedia.org article on Alabama judge Luther Strange
Feb 22, 2012
Lynda Blanchard:
Improved the lives of thousands of families in 16 countries
Blanchard is a passionate advocate for children's issues internationally and domestically. She has worked in Africa, Asia and South America engaging with local partners to further 100X's mission resulting in innovative partnerships to establish
orphanages, sustainable development programs, and food production companies that have improved the lives of thousands of families in 16 countries. As former CEO of 100X, Blanchard was involved in shaping the goals of the Foundation's programs.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Slovenia website: 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 9, 2021
Lynda Blanchard:
An advocate for people with special needs
A leader and advocate for people with special needs for more than 20 years, Blanchard has served on the advisory board for the Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians, a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding opportunities
to people with emotional, physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Ms. Blanchard has voluntarily served on the Boards and supported other education programs in Alabama and has worked to help families who are interested in adoption.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Slovenia website: 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 9, 2021
Robert Bentley:
Supports relief for families who cannot afford their houses
Record foreclosures and continued high unemployment are causes for concern for our state. Homeowners who have experienced a temporary loss of income can benefit
from short-term assistance to help bridge the gap until they have restored their income. This assistance is designed to help families stay in their homes until they can they find employment.
Source: Alabama 2010 gubernatorial press release #4425
Dec 2, 2010
Robert Bentley:
Fund treatment for low-income children with Autism Spectrum
In 65 of Alabama's 67 counties we have a shortage of doctors; Alabama ranks 40th in the number of physicians per capita.. Last year we took action to stop rising rates of preventable and manageable disease, especially among, rural, low-income counties.
By expanding and increasing funding for loan-repayment programs for healthcare providers we have taken action to increase the number of doctors serving in the state's poorest counties.Having practiced medicine for 35 years, and having seen the needs
of patients in some of the most impoverished areas of our state, I can tell you a good doctor in a small, rural community, changes a community and it saves lives.
We will increase funding for Alabama's low-income children and youth so they
may have access to home-based services and treatment of psychiatric, emotional and behavioral disorders. In addition, we will increase funding for treatment for Alabama's low-income children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature
Feb 7, 2016
Roy Moore:
America was great when families were united
Moore faced criticism for comments he made in September at a campaign rally. According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by a black member of the audience when he thought the last time America was great,
Moore answered, "I think it was great at the time when families were united--even though we had slavery--they cared for one another. Our families were strong, our country had a direction."
Source: CNN on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Dec 11, 2017
Tim James:
Traditional marriage/family is foundation for a free society
We support traditional marriage and family as being the foundation for a free society. We support the appointment of justices and judges who respect the constitutional limits on their power and respect the authority of the states
to decide such fundamental social questions.We must do everything in our power to reverse the unconstitutional court ruling that altered the traditional family.
Marriage is a union of one man and one woman as defined by 4,000 years of history and tradition.
We must stop liberals from turning our schools into laboratories of social experimentation.
Girls' sports and bathrooms must be protected from boys claiming to be girls.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Vivian Davis Figures:
Voted NO on churches declining foster kids to LGBT couples
Legislative Summary: Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: The Legislature finds:- Alabama provides state licensed child placing services through various state, charitable, religious, and private organizations.
- Religious
organizations have a lengthy history of providing child placing services.
- The right to free exercise of religion for child placing agencies includes the freedom to refrain from conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs
[such as foster child placement with same-sex couples].
- Because some private entities provide child placing services have no religious beliefs, the religiously-compelled inability of the entities to provide child placement will not prevent any
particular individual from alternative equal access to child placing services.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 60-14-1 on March 16; passed Senate 23-9-0 on April 18; Sen. Figures voted NO; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 27.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: HB 24
Apr 18, 2017
Vivian Davis Figures:
Adoption/foster care agencies must accept LGBTQ parents
HB24 Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act: This bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against child placing agencies on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placement that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.
Analysis by HRC.org: The bill enshrines discrimination into Alabama law by allowing some state-licensed adoption and foster care agencies to reject qualified prospective LGBTQ adoptive or foster parents based on the agency's religious
beliefs. HB24 allows state-licensed child-placing agencies turn away qualified Alabamians seeking to care for a child in need -- including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-9-3, Roll #650 on Apr/18/2017; State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures voted NO; Passed House 87-0-18, Roll #621 on Apr/27/2017; Signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Apr/27/2017.
Source: HRC.org on Alabama legislative voting record HB24
Apr 18, 2017
Will Boyd:
Oppose efforts to limit Family and Medical Leave Act
- Oppose efforts which seek to limit the circumstances under which an employee is able to take unpaid leave under The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
-
Support expansion of the FMLA to cover workers in companies with fewer than fifty employees
- Support the rights of workers promised sick leave as well as those promised paid time off
Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website DrWillBoyd.com
May 25, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023