Sexual orientation should not be a factor in deciding whether to grant adoption and residents of any jurisdiction should specifically be granted equality to gay couples in the adoption process. Traditionally, the test for whether an adoption should be granted has depended on a judge's determination of what is best for the child. Virtually no one disputes that the single most important factor in that decision is the presence of loving parents in the home who are willing to undertake the responsibility of caring for and raising a child in a stable family environment.
Religious and social conservatives who oppose gay marriage say the idea home is one with two married, heterosexual parents. But according to the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, there's no reason gay and lesbian partners, whether married or single, can't be just as good parents as their heterosexual counterparts when they are equally committed to their children's well-being. Adoption allows such individuals to start or enlarge a family, and it gives their adopted children a sense of permanent belonging they can rarely if ever get from temporary residenence in a foster home.
For years states granted adoptions only to heterosexual, married couples was so ingrained that lawmakers thought it unnecessary to even consider any other arrangement, in much the same way it was once thought interracial adoptions were so uncommon they needed no explicit legal protection. It would be better if a policy of equal opportunity in adoptions were applied evenly by the judges across each state. That way, every prospective adoptive parent, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status, could be assured of getting a fair hearing in court. Moreover, the state would have a compelling interest in widening the pool of prospective adoptive parents. if only to reduce the cost of foster care for the thousands of youngsters who, through no fault of their own, cannot live with their biological parents. The more children the courts in each state can place in life-affirming and loving homes, the fewer children will have to rely on foster care and group homes, with all the development and behavioral problems they can engender.
We should have each state clarify existing laws to give greater legal protection to all prospective parents who wish to adopt, regardless of sexual orientation. By doing so, they will not only allow judges greater freedom to do what is best for the children, but what is best for each state as well. "SEXUAL ORIENTATION SHOULDN'T BE A FACTOR IN DETERMINING PARENTAL FITNESS" What are your thoughts on the subject?
REV.JOHN.
