RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia's social services board has rejected proposed regulations that would have prohibited adoption agencies from discriminating against prospective parents because they're gay.

The state's Board of Social Services voted 7-2 Wednesday to strip that protection from proposed regulations. The vote came despite objections from some board members that they didn't have enough time to examine the issue after the state Department of Social Services removed the provision late last week.

Virginia allows adoption now only by married couples and singles, regardless of sexual orientation. But it does not allow unmarried couples to adopt.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said last week that the board lacks the authority to prohibit discrimination in adoptions based on sexual orientation.

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