Same Sex Adoption
Same Sex Adoption
In the world of gay rights and equality, a big issue these days is same sex adoption or gay adoption. State and federal governments are determining whether or not gay people should adopt children and they are looking at whether gays and lesbians should be allowed to adopt as a couple. Many gay and lesbian couples are choosing to become parents; sometimes there are children from previous relationships, and some couples have children through artificial insemination. However, some same sex couples find that adoption is the best method for them. However, since state laws vary, not all states allow same-sex adoption or gay adoption. As of now, only four states in the U.S allow same sex adoption. The states that allow gay adoption are Vermont, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. The other loophole is that certain states will allow same sex adoption or gay adoption if you are single but it is not a large amount and usually discouraged. The state of Florida, bans gay adoption or same sex adoption. This law was passed in 1977, and it was based on a claim that gays and lesbians were child molesters, led by Anita Bryant. Though the law has been challenged several times, the verdict still remains and gay adoption or same sex adoption is still completely illegal in Florida.
Gay Adoption
Gays and lesbians are building their case around the fact that there are plenty of children in the United States who are waiting to be adopted, especially older children and those with special needs. Many children are also being bounced around, from foster home to foster home and while there are many homosexual couples willing to take in these children, same sex adoption is illegal. The state of Florida also banned gay adoption or same sex adoption because they believe that children that are raised in a two parent heterosexual household are better off. First of all, the alarmingly high divorce rate in the United States means that many children do not live with two married parents and studies show that children who grow up in one or two parent gay or lesbian households adjust emotionally and socially just as well as children who grow up with one or two heterosexual parents. Furthermore, the United States government should look at the issue of same sex adoption or gay adoption with an open mind and a sense of practicality. This law is hurting the children waiting to be adopted and deprives loving parents who would care for these children.
Equal Adoption Rights
Hopefully there will be some progress in the area of same sex adoption or gay adoption as Barack Obama has stated his support for equal adoption rights for all couples. He has stated that gay adoption or same sex adoption is irrelevant, as the main factor is loving parents who promise to care for and provide for the child to the best of their ability. 