A new Oklahoma law takes effect Nov. 1 that protects people from being denied adoption or foster care opportunities based on how they raise children regarding biological sex and gender identity. House Bill 3586, known as the Right to Raise Act, was authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond.
The measure protects Oklahomans from being denied adoption or foster care opportunities solely because they use biologically accurate language or choose to raise a child consistent with the child's biological sex. It also clarifies that these actions alone do not constitute child abuse, neglect or child endangerment.
"Child welfare policy should be focused on protecting children from actual harm, not punishing parents for speaking biological truth," Harris said. "Parents are responsible for raising their children, and government has a responsibility to respect that role."
Harris cited cases in other states to justify the law. In Indiana, M.C. and J.C. v. Indiana Department of Child Services involved parents who challenged state intervention related to their decision to raise their child as their biological sex. In Oregon, a family filed a federal lawsuit in July 2026 alleging that child-welfare officials penalized them for using biologically accurate language when raising their child. During House debate in March, Harris noted that the law still permits abuse and neglect charges when appropriate.