Gay adoption bill amendments rejected

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Senate has rejected a series of amendments by Democrats aimed at softening a bill that allows anti-gay discrimination by private child-placement agencies.

Republican Sen. Jeffrey McWaters' bill will be on calendar for a final Senate vote Thursday. The legislation allows private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.

Supporters of the bill said it protects agencies' religious freedom. Opponents argue that the state should not sanction discrimination by agencies that contract with the government to provide adoption and foster care services.

Amendments rejected Wednesday on a mostly party-line vote would have limited the bill to faith-based agencies and agencies that do not receive state funds. Another would have allowed children who are harmed by the policy to sue.