When a loving Christian couple opens their home as foster parents, they don’t expect to have their license revoked for standing by biblical truth. But that’s exactly what happened in Vermont—twice. Two Christian couples, experienced and faithful, were punished not for neglect, but for refusing to call a child by opposite-sex pronouns in a hypothetical situation. This isn’t just unfair—it’s deeply troubling, both legally and spiritually.
A Stark Confrontation: Faith vs. State Policy
In 2023, Vermont’s Department for Children and Families released its SOGIE Policy 76, requiring all foster parents to affirm a child’s self-identified gender—even if hypothetical. Foster parents must use preferred pronouns and attend LGBTQ+ events if requested. Two Christian couples—Brian & Katy Wuoti and Bryan & Rebecca Gantt—refused.
- No actual child in their homes identified as transgender or asked for opposite pronouns—they were judged on what they might do.
- The state revoked their licenses anyway, despite flawless parenting records.
- These parents were forced to choose between government-mandated ideology and their faith.
This isn’t about protecting children—it’s about enforcing ideological conformity on those who only wanted to serve.
Truth in the Middle: Love Without Compromise
What frustrates me most is how the conversation polarizes: either full ideological self-expression or dehumanizing mockery. But Christ invites us to something higher: truth spoken with compassion.
“Whoever hides hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.” — Proverbs 10:18
“Speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15
We uphold God’s design—male and female (Genesis 1:27)—but also walk alongside those suffering from gender dysphoria. It’s not either/or; it’s both/and. We must anchor our response in Christlike love that does not abandon truth.
I explore this tension deeper in my blog on truth vs. relativism, where I contrast cultural shifting beliefs with biblical conviction.
A Constitutional Concern: Religious Liberty at Stake
These couples weren’t hiding their faith—they were public, church-going Christians. Yet Vermont revoked their ability to foster because they wouldn’t affirm gender ideology contrary to Scripture.
- The First Amendment protects free speech and religious exercise—particularly against government compulsion to speak falsehoods.
- These were not faith-based exclusions; they were punishments for refusing to lie.
- Alliance Defending Freedom argues this exceeds government authority—it’s an unconstitutional infringement on conscience and speech.
You can follow the case in the Second Circuit here.
My thoughts on state overreach and cancel culture show how this is just the latest front in a broader trend: Cancel Culture and Free Speech.
Why This Matters to You
- If you value religious freedom, this case is a warning sign—governments are increasingly punishing conscience-based convictions.
- If you care about children, these policies reduce loving, qualified parents from being licensed.
- If you cherish truth and grace, this is a vivid example of how to speak boldly and lovingly.
What You Can Do
- Pray for the Wuoti and Gantt families as they appeal their case.
- Stand for religious liberty—online, in your church, and in your vote.
- Respond well, avoiding mockery or cruelty toward those with gender dysphoria.
- Share the story to highlight that love without truth is sentimental, and truth without love is harsh.
Bringing It Together
Gender dysphoria is deeply painful—but affirming a lie isn’t healing. These Christian foster parents offered homes to children in need. When asked to speak falsehoods, they chose fidelity to Scripture—and Vermont revoked their licenses.
This issue spans heart, home, church, and Constitution. It demands courage rooted in calm clarity—and that’s exactly what you’re called to lead with.
“May your roots go down into Him, and may your lives be built on Him.” — Colossians 2:7
Why I Trust God Over Same-Sex Attraction
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