IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE!
In a statement sent to the Family Equality Council, Barack Obama assured the LGBT community that he supports adoption rights for same sex couples. Obama believes in equal adoption rights for heterosexuals as well as LGBT people. It may have taken us 44 presidents to get this far, but this can be a potentially giant leap for the LGBT community. Sadly, the president does not regulate adoption rights, but having one that does support LGBT adoption is a giant step! Thankfully, things have been changing in America, and organizations are being created to support and fight for LGBT adoption. Organizations such as COLAGE (Children of Lesbian And Gay Couples Everywhere) offer success stories of LGBT adoptions, and their website is getting more and more hits every day. If more people could understand that children of a LGBT couples are no more likely to become LGBT than children raised with a traditional mother and a father, maybe this wouldn’t be such a big issue we’re facing today. How is it fair that hundreds of thousands of children are in the foster care system waiting for loving parents to come along and adopt them, and there are perfectly suitable (LGBT) adults out there eager to adopt them, yet they are not allowed. It’s counterintuitive if you ask me. People argue that children adopted by a member of the LGBT community may suffer adversity, but who doesn’t have difficulty in their life, and whose to say that it won’t make these children stronger, open minded individuals. How can we deny children parents, leaving them in the foster system for countless years, all for this fear that they may turn out LGBT like their potential guardians? It’s a completely unfair statement to be said. Celebrity Rosie O’Donnell and her partner Kelli Carpenter have adopted four children, and together have made a successful family life for themselves. Together, they’ve created a LGBT friendly cruise, which HBO did a documentary on. There was a segment where they asked the children how they felt about being raised in a LGBT family, and although each child had a different response, they all had the same message, that that was their family, that was what they knew and loved, and they wouldn’t change any of it. I can only hope that more and more events such as this cruise will be created, to show people that LGBT families are no different than heterosexual families, and there is a greater need for equality in LGBT adoption. If you don’t believe me, educate yourself. Talk to a young adult who was raised in a LGBT family. You might be surprised at how quickly your view on LGBT adoption has changed!
Monday, November 17, 2008
miami court case
Florida Statute 63.042 states, “No person eligible to adopt under this statute may adopt if that person is a homosexual.”
Florida is the only state that outright prohibits gays and lesbians from adopting children. Some states do not allow gays to adopt children but at least try to hide it behind laws that prohibit unmarried couples from adopting. Florida just outright bans it! For some strange reason, the state believes that gays are capable of being wonderful loving foster parents but when it comes down to permanency they just don’t cut it.
Those who oppose and support gay adoption are currently awaiting a decision in the Miami court case that may provide ammunition to overturn the state law. In a Sun-Sentinel article titled, “Miami Court Decision May Affect a Law Barring Gays from Adopting,” Robert Lamarche, a gay man who lives in Boca Raton, Florida stated, “It’s crazy. I am holding a paper from the court that gives me and my partner guardianship that tells me that we are qualified to raise a child, but can’t adopt a child. That is ridiculous. But it’s the law.” Lamarche is far from the only one that feels the same way.
There are certain people that are extremely opposed to the idea of gays being able to adopt. Reverend O’Neil Dozier of the Worldwide Christian Center in Pompano Beach, believes that there is too much risk that in letting gays adopt the children will become gay as well because they are exposed to it. It's interesting that many people have the same view as Reverend O’Neil Dozier but they believe that children won’t be influenced by these same people as long as they are titled “foster parents” instead of simply “parents”.
Does the method or influence that is brought unto the children change with the title given to their guardians? It’s rather interesting when you look at it like that!
Florida is the only state that outright prohibits gays and lesbians from adopting children. Some states do not allow gays to adopt children but at least try to hide it behind laws that prohibit unmarried couples from adopting. Florida just outright bans it! For some strange reason, the state believes that gays are capable of being wonderful loving foster parents but when it comes down to permanency they just don’t cut it.
Those who oppose and support gay adoption are currently awaiting a decision in the Miami court case that may provide ammunition to overturn the state law. In a Sun-Sentinel article titled, “Miami Court Decision May Affect a Law Barring Gays from Adopting,” Robert Lamarche, a gay man who lives in Boca Raton, Florida stated, “It’s crazy. I am holding a paper from the court that gives me and my partner guardianship that tells me that we are qualified to raise a child, but can’t adopt a child. That is ridiculous. But it’s the law.” Lamarche is far from the only one that feels the same way.
There are certain people that are extremely opposed to the idea of gays being able to adopt. Reverend O’Neil Dozier of the Worldwide Christian Center in Pompano Beach, believes that there is too much risk that in letting gays adopt the children will become gay as well because they are exposed to it. It's interesting that many people have the same view as Reverend O’Neil Dozier but they believe that children won’t be influenced by these same people as long as they are titled “foster parents” instead of simply “parents”.
Does the method or influence that is brought unto the children change with the title given to their guardians? It’s rather interesting when you look at it like that!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Florida, It is Time to Allow Homosexuals to be Called Dad and Daddy
Why does Florida continue to deprive children of the right to a permanent and loving family? Why does Florida continue to deprive homosexuals of the right to be called “mom” or “dad”? The state of Florida is rationalizing the categorical ban on homosexuals adoption children based on illegimate and illogical reasons. The ban on homosexual adoption is unconstitutional and harming innocent children. There are thousands of children in foster care waiting to be adopted. It is estimated that there are between 9,000 and 10,000 children in foster care in Florida alone. The state of Florida would rather keep these children, who have already been subjected to numerous hurdles, to be kept in foster care then give them the opportunity to be permanently placed and be raised by homosexual individuals or couples. If a child cannot be reunited with its biologically family, it is in the best interest of the child to be adopted. It has been scientifically proven that a child’s emotional development is least disrupted if he or she is rapidly and permanently placed with another family. Case studies have proved that homosexual individuals can provide a loving and nurturing home. Just like heterosexual parents, homosexual parents can teach their children how to be upstanding citizens. Not all homosexual parents will do a perfect job at raising their children but heterosexual parents are far from perfection. The adoption law in Florida must be changed. The Department of Children and Families “begs” homosexuals to foster children, especially those with special needs. If homosexuals are capable of raising children for a temporary period, it is incomprehensible to think they could not permanently provide such care. What is even worse is that once foster children and their homosexual foster parents begin to bond, Florida at any moment could tear these children out of their loving homes and mandate other placement. Across the internet are postings similar to this. “We are a loving family looking to adopt a newborn baby boy or girl. If you know of anyone considering adoption as a choice for their newborn, we would appreciate you passing along the link to our website” But sadly, for this family, because they are homosexual and because they reside in Florida, their dream of being called “dad” and “daddy” will not become reality until the legislature changes the law or the Supreme Court of Florida finds FL Statue 63.042 unconstitutional.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Best Interest of the Child Needs to be MOST IMPORTANT in our lives...Floridians its Time for a Change!!!!
Floridians it is time for a change! The children need our help. It is time for you to step up and vote to allow homosexuals the chance to adopt children. It is time for Floridians to act alongside the rest of the Nation by truly acting in the best interest of the child.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has stated that there are about 9,000 to 10,000 Florida children in foster care at any given time. There are key findings that support the fact that there are an estimated 14,100 foster children who are living with gay or lesbian parents throughout the United States. It is sad to think then many of those children have families that would love the opportunity to provide a loving, supportive and permanent lifestyle but are not allowed the chance.
Why are we leaving children in temporary settings, like foster care, when there is the chance for them to live a full life with a loving family? At this time, the state currently lacks homes for approximately 8,000 children. These children are being held in state care in hopes of finding a life that we are so lucky to live, when one is right in front of their eyes
This is America. As Americans, we have been brought up to believe that this Nation is based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is supposed to be a Nation known as the home of the free. How can we be considered a Nation built on freedom when good standing, loving and wholesome citizens are not free to love?
Florida claims to follow a standard that is grounded on the best interest of the child. How can this possibly be true? Why is it ok for homosexuals to be foster parents for these children and form emotional attachments but it can go no further than that. It has been proved that a child’s emotional state as he continues through life is much more secure and happy when he has been brought up in a permanent family environment. The child feels like he belongs and has had a basis to rely on throughout his life. How is Florida acting in the best interest of the child when it is leaving 9,000 to 10,000 of them in temporary homes in the state when there are wonderful people waiting for the chance to help?
There has been no valid proof that a child has been hindered in any way shape or form by living with parents who are homosexual. Most of the research that has been performed regarding this topic has consistently shown that there are no negative consequences for children of gay and lesbian parents with regard to standard child well being measures. What matters most is not what sexual orientation the child’s parents are but rather the love that the parents provide to the child. Most states have already come to this realization which leaves Florida, once again, lacking behind.
Findings have shown that gay and lesbian parents are raising 4% of all adopted children in the United States. In addition, individuals in same sex couples, raising adopted children have the highest levels of education and one of the highest levels of financial income. It is shown that these children are being well taken care of and living in a place where they are safe and happy.
Florida needs to step up and realize that they are not helping these children but rather hindering their development by not giving homosexuals a chance. It is time for Floridians to step up and help make a change. Help save the children…the future depends on it!
The Florida Department of Children and Families has stated that there are about 9,000 to 10,000 Florida children in foster care at any given time. There are key findings that support the fact that there are an estimated 14,100 foster children who are living with gay or lesbian parents throughout the United States. It is sad to think then many of those children have families that would love the opportunity to provide a loving, supportive and permanent lifestyle but are not allowed the chance.
Why are we leaving children in temporary settings, like foster care, when there is the chance for them to live a full life with a loving family? At this time, the state currently lacks homes for approximately 8,000 children. These children are being held in state care in hopes of finding a life that we are so lucky to live, when one is right in front of their eyes
This is America. As Americans, we have been brought up to believe that this Nation is based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is supposed to be a Nation known as the home of the free. How can we be considered a Nation built on freedom when good standing, loving and wholesome citizens are not free to love?
Florida claims to follow a standard that is grounded on the best interest of the child. How can this possibly be true? Why is it ok for homosexuals to be foster parents for these children and form emotional attachments but it can go no further than that. It has been proved that a child’s emotional state as he continues through life is much more secure and happy when he has been brought up in a permanent family environment. The child feels like he belongs and has had a basis to rely on throughout his life. How is Florida acting in the best interest of the child when it is leaving 9,000 to 10,000 of them in temporary homes in the state when there are wonderful people waiting for the chance to help?
There has been no valid proof that a child has been hindered in any way shape or form by living with parents who are homosexual. Most of the research that has been performed regarding this topic has consistently shown that there are no negative consequences for children of gay and lesbian parents with regard to standard child well being measures. What matters most is not what sexual orientation the child’s parents are but rather the love that the parents provide to the child. Most states have already come to this realization which leaves Florida, once again, lacking behind.
Findings have shown that gay and lesbian parents are raising 4% of all adopted children in the United States. In addition, individuals in same sex couples, raising adopted children have the highest levels of education and one of the highest levels of financial income. It is shown that these children are being well taken care of and living in a place where they are safe and happy.
Florida needs to step up and realize that they are not helping these children but rather hindering their development by not giving homosexuals a chance. It is time for Floridians to step up and help make a change. Help save the children…the future depends on it!
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