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A Christian couple from Woburn, Massachusetts, has had their foster care license revoked after refusing to sign a state-mandated LGBTQIA+ affirmation policy. Lydia and Heath Marvin, who have fostered eight young children since 2020, say their decision was rooted in their Christian beliefs.
The Marvins, who have three teenage children of their own, most recently cared for an infant with complex medical needs for 15 months. They said they were committed to continuing their role as foster parents until the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) pulled their license in April.
The issue arose when the couple declined to sign the DCF’s updated Non-Discrimination Policy, which requires foster parents to affirm and support the LGBTQIA+ identities of children in their care. The policy, implemented in 2022, includes affirming names and pronouns, supporting gender expression through clothing and appearance, and using gender-neutral parenting practices.
“We asked, is there any sort of accommodation, can you waive this at all?” said Lydia Marvin. “We will absolutely love and support any child in our home, but we simply can’t agree to go against our Christian faith in this area. We were ultimately told: you must sign the form as is, or you will be delicensed.”
The Marvins appealed the decision but were unsuccessful. Now, they’re exploring further legal options. They are not alone — two other Christian foster families have joined a federal lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts Family Institute and Alliance Defending Freedom against DCF, arguing that the policy violates religious freedom and free speech rights.
“The policy essentially requires families to accept and affirm a child’s declared LGBTQIA+ identity,” said Sam Whiting, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. “There’s both a speech and religious liberty component at stake here.”
The lawsuit claims that the policy imposes ideological conformity by requiring parents to use preferred names and pronouns and to support children’s gender identity choices, even when those beliefs conflict with religious convictions.
The case has now gained national attention. Last week, the Trump-aligned Administration for Children and Families sent a letter to the DCF, referencing the Marvins’ situation and criticizing the policy as “deeply troubling” and a violation of First Amendment rights.
In contrast, LGBTQ+ advocates and state officials maintain that the policy is intended to ensure foster children feel safe, supported, and affirmed—especially those who may already be vulnerable due to past trauma or rejection.
“The state has an obligation to protect children and ensure their well-being,” said Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). “Foster parents are not permanent guardians. Their role is to provide a safe, temporary environment where children can heal and eventually return to their families of origin.”
In Massachusetts, foster parents receive a monthly stipend to help with the cost of caring for children in state custody. However, DCF maintains that the right to foster is not absolute — and that all licensed foster homes must uphold state policies designed to protect all children, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case raises broader questions about religious freedom, parental rights, and the role of the state in determining the standards for foster care.
