JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Senate has endorsed legislation prohibiting race from being a factor in adoptions of children in the state foster care system.
The bill would prohibit the race or ethnicity of the child, the biological parents or the prospective adoptive parents from being considered when determining the best interests of the child. The prohibition also would apply to decisions about whether prospective parents would provide a suitable home for the child.
The sponsor, Republican Sen. John Lamping, of St. Louis County, says barring race from consideration could help increase the number of adoptions in Missouri.
The legislation needs a second Senate vote before it can move to the House.
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Adoption bill is SB711.
Online:
Legislature: http://www.senate.mo.gov