Many states do not have specific laws or court decisions on gay adoption or gay foster parenting.
Eleven states and Washington, D.C. either implicitly or explicitly state that sexual orientation cannot legally prevent gay and lesbians from adopting. Three states have laws denying gays and lesbians the right to adopt or take in foster children. Though Mississippi allows single gays and lesbians to adopt, it prohibits same-sex couples from adopting. Utah excludes same-sex couples indirectly through a statute barring all unmarried couples from adopting or taking in foster children. Florida is currently the only state that specifically bans "homosexual" individuals from adopting, although the state does allow them to be foster parents. In the remaining 36 states, gays and lesbians who want to adopt or take in foster care children are at the mercy of judges and adoption and foster agencies. (The New York Times Company, 2009)
In Virginia, the state in which I live, it permits single gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) adoption. Virginia does not clearly prohibit joint gay adoption and second-parent adoption unclear.
Here are my thoughts on this matter. I am a gay man that has been with the same partner eight years. Our home is like that of a so called “straight” couple. The only difference is there are two men under the roof. If we have the means and the love to raise a child there should be no reason why we cannot. Many studies have shown the children of GLBT couples thrive. Even though the rumor out there is that the children of GLBT couples will more than likely grow up confused or gay, IT IS WRONG!
My question to you all is why do you think this is? Do you think it is a close minded decision?
References
The New York Times Company. (2009). Where is Gay Adoption Legal: Why or Why Not. New York.
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Hi Eddie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post on this topic. My feeling about all of it, is that people fear what they don't understand and what they don't understand is unacceptable. I think adotption should soley be based on the persons character and their ability to provide an education and financially stability to that child. Adoption should be open to all person regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or marital status. Every child deserves a safe and loving home.