Both houses of the Virginia State Legislature passed a bill on Friday (3 February) that would allow private adoption agencies to deny placements to gay people or anyone else who conflicts with their religious beliefs.

The state's Republican governor, Bob McDonnell, is expected to sign the bill into law.

The vote went along party lines. A Senate committee voted to endorse the bill in an 8-7 vote which then then sent it to the House where it passed 71-28.

The bill passed without debate and if signed, Virginia would become just the second state in the U.S. to have such a law.

State Sen. Adam Ebbin, who is gay, is among those who voted against Senate Bill 349. He said the bill is clearly aimed at denying gay people adoptions or foster children even if it also includes such factors as gender, age, religion disability and family status.

'The issue is simple –whether or not state dollars should be used or taxpayers’ funds should be used to fund discrimination in adoption and foster care,' Ebbin told the Washington Blade.

Earlier this week, Eddin introduced a bill that called for a banning discrimination in adoption and foster care but it was rejected by  the state's Senate Subcommittee on Rehabilitation and Social Services.

Supporters of the legislation say it merely protects religious freedom.

'We are grateful that the House of Delegates and the Senate Rehab and Social Services Committee both see the need to protect private child placement agencies that are doing incredible work helping children and families around Virginia,' Victoria Cobb, president of the conservative Family Foundation said in a written statement. 'A majority of Virginians recognize that these agencies are critical to providing the best possible outcomes for children.'