End of Adoptions as One Agency Protests Gay Parents
Boston Religious Charity Shuts Down Over Conflict With State Law
By GIGI STONE
June 30, 2006 — For 103 years, Catholic Charities of Boston has found homes for tens of thousands of needy children, but tomorrow the adoption agency shuts its doors.
It is closing because of pressure from the Catholic Church, which opposes the Massachusetts law that protects the rights of gay couples to adopt a child.
"We find ourselves in a conflict," said the Rev. Bryan Hehir from Catholic Charities. "The religious, moral principles of Catholic teaching and practice clash with the political and civil regulations of the state."
Churches are increasingly banding together to fight gay adoptions, something George Graham and Michael Fleenor feel personally.
They have been partners for 16 years and adopted their 3-year-old son, Robbie, who was in foster care.
Now they want to adopt another child, but it might not be as easy this time, because legislators in their home state of Ohio have proposed a bill to ban adoption by gay couples.
"We really do feel under pressure," George Graham said. "We feel like there is a window that is possibly closing and once it is closed, it's closed."
States Debate Issues as Children Need Homes
In addition to religious activism on this issue, a groundswell of grassroots activity to ban gay couples from adopting children has led to proposed legislation across the country.
Last year, bills banning adoptions by gay couples were introduced in Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. All those bills were killed in committee, but some legislators say they're not giving up.
"It's my job as a state legislator to make sure that these children have the best environment and the best household they are able to be placed in, and that is a traditional household with a mom and a dad," said Rep. Paul Stanley, R-Tenn.
But the American Academy of Pediatrics said that a growing body of scientific literature shows that children who grow up with one or two gay and or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual.
The academy has found that children's development seems to be influenced more by the nature of the relationships and interactions within the family unit than by the particular structural form it takes.
The AAP is expected to take a closer look at the legal and financial challenges for the children of same-gender parents in a special article in the journal Pediatrics, due out next week.
There are nearly 126,000 children in foster care who are eligible for adoption each year. Less than half find permanent homes.
"To say, 'Oh, because you're gay you can't or you shouldn't be able to raise a child,' that is horrible," said Karen Brown, a mother who gave her daughter up for adoption.
She added, "If they have the love to give, let them!"
By GIGI STONE
June 30, 2006 — For 103 years, Catholic Charities of Boston has found homes for tens of thousands of needy children, but tomorrow the adoption agency shuts its doors.
It is closing because of pressure from the Catholic Church, which opposes the Massachusetts law that protects the rights of gay couples to adopt a child.
"We find ourselves in a conflict," said the Rev. Bryan Hehir from Catholic Charities. "The religious, moral principles of Catholic teaching and practice clash with the political and civil regulations of the state."
Churches are increasingly banding together to fight gay adoptions, something George Graham and Michael Fleenor feel personally.
They have been partners for 16 years and adopted their 3-year-old son, Robbie, who was in foster care.
Now they want to adopt another child, but it might not be as easy this time, because legislators in their home state of Ohio have proposed a bill to ban adoption by gay couples.
"We really do feel under pressure," George Graham said. "We feel like there is a window that is possibly closing and once it is closed, it's closed."
States Debate Issues as Children Need Homes
In addition to religious activism on this issue, a groundswell of grassroots activity to ban gay couples from adopting children has led to proposed legislation across the country.
Last year, bills banning adoptions by gay couples were introduced in Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. All those bills were killed in committee, but some legislators say they're not giving up.
"It's my job as a state legislator to make sure that these children have the best environment and the best household they are able to be placed in, and that is a traditional household with a mom and a dad," said Rep. Paul Stanley, R-Tenn.
But the American Academy of Pediatrics said that a growing body of scientific literature shows that children who grow up with one or two gay and or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual.
The academy has found that children's development seems to be influenced more by the nature of the relationships and interactions within the family unit than by the particular structural form it takes.
The AAP is expected to take a closer look at the legal and financial challenges for the children of same-gender parents in a special article in the journal Pediatrics, due out next week.
There are nearly 126,000 children in foster care who are eligible for adoption each year. Less than half find permanent homes.
"To say, 'Oh, because you're gay you can't or you shouldn't be able to raise a child,' that is horrible," said Karen Brown, a mother who gave her daughter up for adoption.
She added, "If they have the love to give, let them!"
3 Comments:
Lissa I don't know about you but I find this disturbing. Why when there are so many children out there that could benifit from a family(even if the family is unconventional)would they do this? I am sorry if I offend you but I hate these self rightous zealots.
Yoli
Who has a bunch of gay friends
No offense taken here. I am a longtime supporter of the homosexual community. I support all citizens being able to marry and raise children.
Although I do not agree with gays not being allowed to adopt (I am a supporter) I do understand the "conflict" regarding that Catholic Church. There is a lot more to this then what is written in this text. Currently I am researching (for my research project) Pastoring Students of Same Sex Orientation and dealing with faimlies of gay chilren, and the Catholic Church perspective. I won't get into it, but one must understand that civil rights and religious traditions do not usually go hand in hand when dealing with the family and the sacrament of marriage. If we separate chuch and state then there really is not issue because gays should be allowed to marry and adopt, but the Church cannot live in contradiction (by aiding in gay adoptions).
Again, I fell that if a child is loved it doesn't matter the sexual orientation of their parents...and I do hope that the laws in the USA will change soon.
maav
posted in wrong place if possible please delete the other.
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