Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is working on a legal response after a Trump-appointed federal official demanded the state’s child welfare agency stop requiring prospective foster and adoptive parents to “commit to affirming a hypothetical child’s gender identity.”

In a letter Oct. 16, the newly appointed assistant secretary for the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, Alex J. Adams, said the state’s Department of Children, Youth and Families policies on gender identity are “inconsistent” with the federal agency’s interpretation of the First Amendment, but does not say how.

Adams requested DCYF leaders explain in writing how they would amend policies.

“As you know,” Adams wrote, “my responsibilities include monitoring the use of relevant federal funds and ensuring compliance with

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