Republicans are trying to block protections for LGBTQ+ foster kids

Congressional Republicans are scrambling to block a proposed federal government rule intended to protect LGBTQ+ youth in foster care from being shamed and abused.

Why? Because that's who Republicans are and who they have always been.

In a cynical political move, Rep. Jim Banks, who hopes to seize Indiana's open Senate seat later this year, introduced a bill last month designed to scuttle the federal government's efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ youth in the foster system are placed with affirming families.  

According to The Hill, the Department of Health and Human Services' proposed rule change would require welfare agencies to place LGBTQ+ youth in “environments free of hostility, mistreatment, or abuse” due to the child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Caregivers would also be required to receive cultural competency training.