Kansas lawmakers reject audit for same-sex discrimination

Topeka, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have again refused to audit the Department of Children and Families to determine if the agency discriminates against same-sex couples in adoption or foster care cases.

The Legislative Post Audit Committee on Tuesday voted 5-4 along party lines not to approve the audit. Rep. Jim Ward, a Democrat from Wichita, sought the audit after several same-sex couple alleged last year that the agency had discriminated against them.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports (http://bit.ly/1Qz3sYP ) Wednesday's vote came after DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore issued a statement denying the discrimination allegations. She says the agency has no policies or documents related to same-sex or non-traditional families.

Ward countered that substantial anecdotal evidence shows blatant discrimination against same-sex couples. He called Tuesday's vote "shameful."

Information from: Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com

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The Gayly – April 27, 2016 @ 8 a.m.