Pacific Justice Institute Defends Christian Mother in Transgender Identity Dispute

Oregon dependency case raises questions about parental rights, religious liberty, and family reunification

HILLSBORO, Ore. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) is representing an Oregon mother in In the Matter of K.B., a juvenile dependency case involving a 15-year-old boy who identifies as a girl and a Christian mother who refuses to affirm her son's transgender identity because of her sincerely held religious beliefs.

The case comes after the child was placed under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), where he has remained for nearly 16 months. During that time, the child has experienced numerous foster placements and school changes while struggling with behavioral challenges that have affected his stability and long-term placement.

PJI represents the boy's mother, who believes that affirming a transgender identity would conflict with her Christian faith. She maintains that she loves her son, desires a healthy relationship with him, and hopes for eventual reunification. However, she also believes that successful reunification requires stability and behavioral progress, particularly given that she is currently caring for two children under the age of four in her home.

The case raises significant questions concerning the rights of parents to maintain religious convictions regarding sex and gender while participating in child welfare proceedings. It also raises broader concerns about whether parents can be pressured to adopt beliefs that conflict with their faith in order to preserve or restore family relationships.

According to the mother, the child has moved through numerous foster homes and educational placements while under state supervision. The ongoing proceedings seek to determine the appropriate path forward for both the child and the family.

The matter is being heard within Oregon's juvenile dependency court system, which oversees cases involving foster care, family reunification, and child welfare services.

Brad Dacus, founder and president of Pacific Justice Institute, stated:

"No parent should be forced to choose between their faith and their relationship with their child. This case involves a loving mother who wants the best for her son while remaining faithful to her deeply held religious convictions. Religious liberty does not end when a family enters the child welfare system."

Ray Hacke, PJI's attorney representing the mother, added:

"This case presents important questions about parental rights, religious liberty, and the role of government in matters involving gender identity. Our client seeks to maintain a relationship with her son while remaining faithful to her beliefs. We believe parents should not be required to abandon sincerely held religious convictions in order to participate in reunification efforts."

Pacific Justice Institute continues to defend parents, families, and individuals whose constitutional rights are implicated by government action.

Learn more about Pacific Justice Institute's work defending parental rights:

WWW.PJI.ORG.

If your parental rights are being violated, contact Pacific Justice Institute by completing a

GET HELP FORM.

To help support PJI's continued legal advocacy defending religious liberty, parental rights, and constitutional freedoms, we invite you to SUPPORT PJI with a tax-deductible gift.