Texas bill would ban gay foster parents

The Texas House has approved an overhaul of state child and adult protective services, including a ban on gay or bisexual people acting as foster parents.

State Rep. Robert Talton, R-Pasadena, offered the last-minute amendment to the comprehensive legislation Tuesday, The Dallas Morning News reported. The amended bill was later approved 126-16 and sent to the Senate.

Talton argued all current and prospective foster parents should be required to declare their sexuality. Those who declared themselves -- or were found to be -- gay, lesbian or bisexual would be disqualified.

Several other state representatives said the amendment might not survive a conference committee expected later in the session because of differences with the Senate.

The House bill proposes sweeping privatization of child and adult protective services programs, while the Senate has passed a more moderate plan. A disagreement would send the whole bill to a conference committee.

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