Indiana: Christian Parents Petition SCOTUS After State Removes Their Trans-Identified Child
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The Christian parents of a trans-identified child in Indiana have filed a petition asking the US Supreme Court to intervene after the state’s Department of Child Services removed their son from their care after disagreements over his gender identity and welfare, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The petition argues for the protection of parental rights and free speech, and for the free exercise of religion.
Mary and Jeremy Cox had their child removed in June 2021, CP reports. As Christians, the Coxes refused to affirm their son’s self-declared identity as a girl, including a refusal to use their child’s chosen female name and pronouns.
According to court records, the child was found to be at risk once it became known he was suffering a severe eating disorder and self-isolation. Despite the Coxes’ efforts to help their child through consulting a nutrition specialist, and seeking therapy and a new school for him, the boy was removed from their home.
The removal decision was upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals, which ruled that the restriction on the parents’ religious instruction was allowed under state and federal constitutions, CP reports. The Indiana Supreme Court refused to review the matter, causing the Coxes to petition the highest US court.
“No other fit parent should lose custody of their child or face a government muzzle on their deeply held religious beliefs and best judgment. M.C. and J.C. have exhausted every other remedy and are gravely concerned that the state of Indiana will come for their other children,” the Coxes’ petition read. “This Court’s intervention is needed.”
The Supreme Court is expected to announce by April whether it will review the case, CP said. The case could have far-reaching implications for parental rights in the US.
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