Published on December 18, 2023, 12:19 am

Image source: Fox News

In the midst of a contentious debate on parental rights and trans rights in Indiana, devout Christian parents Mary and Jeremy Cox have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for intervention after their trans-identified child was taken from their home by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) in June 2021.

The custody battle began following disagreements about the child’s gender identity. The parent’s refusal to use their son’s chosen female name and pronouns triggered an investigation into the Cox household by the DCS, with full support from the Indiana Family Institute (IFI) on behalf of the parents.

A trial court, voicing concerns about the child’s wellbeing due to a lack of affirmation toward his declared gender identity, made substantial decisions leading to removing of custody from Coxes’. Decisions further upheld by Indiana Court of Appeals stating that restricting parents’ religious instructions is permissible under both state and federal constitutions.

The appeal for reviewing this case, however, was declined by Indiana Supreme Court which led Coxes’ to take their plea directly to U.S. Supreme Court. The petition filed by IFI’s General Counsel Josh Hershberger defends parental rights, free speech and freedom of religion as primary points of appeal.

Coxes’ plea that no fit parent should lose custody or face restraint in expressing their deeply ingrained religious beliefs has sparked controversy across Indiana amidst debates over trans rights and parental rights. Issues cited include potential recurrence of an eating disorder and self-isolation which contribute disagreeably towards A.C’s wellbeing— factors crucial that resulted in court ruling against parental custody.

An attempt at legislation with House Bill 1407 saw lawmakers putting effort to prohibit courts from removing trans-identified children from parents refusing gender-affirming care nevertheless was unsuccessful.

This landmark case has potential implications nationwide concerning where parental rights might stand regarding child custody disputes involving transgender youth—a decision is expected in April by U.S Supreme court despite reviewing less than 1% of the near 10,000 petitions submitted annually.

This real and trusted news from a Christian perspective underscores the pivotal societal debates about a parent’s right to raise their child according to their commitment to scripture and its moral teachings.