For Melissa and Adam Abbott, religious freedom became more than a legal principle. It was about their family and their desire to provide a loving, stable home for a child who needed one.

This Catholic couple had already opened their home to children in need and had adopted three children. They were then approached by a foster care agency to care for a baby boy who was the biological brother of one of their children. However, during the approval process, they were asked intrusive questions about their Christian beliefs and were ultimately rejected from caring for this boy, despite their experience and commitment.

It was a deeply distressing situation. Their Catholic faith, which shaped their commitment to family and their willingness to care for vulnerable children, had instead become an obstacle.

That’s when HRLA stepped in.

With HRLA’s assistance, Melissa and Adam challenged the decision. They were eventually reassessed, and despite further delays and an additional independent assessment, they were finally granted permanent, full-time kinship care.

Today, we’re delighted to share that the Abbott family is thriving.

One of the Abbott children recently sent HRLA the beautiful drawing pictured above, titled simply, “My Family”.

For us, it captures the true nature of this case.

Behind those smiling faces is a family who was almost kept apart because of their religious beliefs. But there is also a story of hope: a child with a permanent home, parents living and modelling their Christian faith, and a family getting on with the ordinary joys of life together.

Religious freedom can sometimes sound like an abstract debate about laws and competing rights. The Abbott family reminds us that the consequences are deeply personal.

Australians should not be excluded from contributing to their communities simply because they hold and live out sincere religious beliefs. And faith should not be treated as a liability when loving families step forward to care for vulnerable children.

HRLA was privileged to stand alongside Melissa and Adam when they needed help.

Sometimes a legal victory comes in the form of a court judgment.

Sometimes, it looks like a child drawing their family together and proudly writing the words “My Family” above them.

And that is something worth celebrating.