Good As You

Adoption Institute Supports Gay Parents

That sound you hear is freepers shrieking all across the country. (Bolds mine)

NEW YORK - As debate over the issue flares in several states, a major adoption institute says in a new report that it strongly supports the rights of gays and lesbians to adopt, and urges that remaining obstacles be removed.

"Laws and policies that preclude adoption by gay or lesbian parents disadvantage the tens of thousands of children mired in the foster care system who need permanent, loving homes," the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute says in the report to be issued Friday.

It advises agencies and officials to make firm statements in support of such adoptions, forsaking a "don't ask, don't tell" approach which prompts some gays to feel their chances of adopting hinge on being discreet about their sexual orientation.

Because "D.A.D.T." has worked so well in the military.

Adoption agencies should energetically recruit gays and lesbians, including them in outreach programs and parenting panels, the institute said.

The report arrives on the heels of a nationwide poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press that found public approval of gay adoption is increasing. In 1999, 57 percent of Americans opposed the practice and 38 percent approved, while the new poll found 48 percent opposed and 46 percent in favor with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

It's so much fun to watch bigotry boomerang, isn't it?

The Donaldson study, written by Illinois State University adoption expert Jeanne Howard, acknowledges that research on gay parenting remains relatively scant.

"Still, virtually every valid study reaches the same conclusion: The children of gays and lesbians adjust positively and their families function well," the report says.

Pam has more. It's this simple, folks. For all the shrieking and wailing about gay parents being dangerous to children, the research shows the opposite to be true. There is no reason to deny the LGBT community adoption rights, other than basic bigotry. And that dog won't hunt, Monsignor.