Virginia is nearing the adoption of legislation that would allow faith-based adoption charities that receive state funds to reject prospective parents based on sexual orientation or religious beliefs, reports The Washington Post.

The measure establishing a “conscience clause” in selecting parents for adoptions was passed by a wide margin in the state House, and the Senate is expected to follow suit this week. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has indicated that he will sign the bill, which has been championed by Republican lawmakers in Virginia as an assurance of religious freedom.

“This measure will chisel into law the principle that people of faith can adhere to their convictions without fear of reprisal from those who would discriminate against their religious beliefs regarding how we should raise our children,” said C. Todd Gilbert, the deputy majority leader of the House.

Virginia would be the second state to enact such legislation, after North Dakota.