Law Lets Faith Agencies Decline Gay Adoptions

Faith-based adoption agencies in Michigan can decline cases that violate their religious beliefs, such as gay adoptions.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed the measure Thursday.

Critics say the new law amounts to government-sanctioned discrimination against same-sex couples.

But the governor said it ensures that as many organizations as possible are involved in helping kids be adopted.

"This is about making sure we get the largest number of kids in forever families. The more opportunities and organizations we have that are doing a good job of placing people in loving families, isn't that better for all of us?" he said.

The law does require adoption agencies with religious objections to refer applicants to another agency or to a state website listing other providers.