By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – The state of Missouri is now allowing gays to be certified as foster parents.
The Department of Social Services changed its policy after Attorney General Jay Nixon said he would not challenge a recent court ruling.
In February, a Kansas City judge said the department must allow Lisa Johnston, a lesbian, to be a foster parent.
DSS spokeswoman Deborah Scott said the state will ask applicants about their sexual orientation. But she said it's part of a list of other questions.
"We look at many things," Scott said. "We look at the cultural background of the prospective foster family, the religious background, the educational background, and now lifestyle will also be considered."
Republican Governor Matt Blunt said gay foster homes aren't the best for children. But that the department should not discriminate solely because of sexual orientation.