NO - Larry Baker, who has been adopted
Why shouldn't same-sex couples adopt? The Government says it wants toencourage more people to adopt, so why shouldn't same-sex carers beincluded? They could give a child a loving home, just like anyone else.However you look at it, it does seem as if it's discriminatory not totake on prospective adopters purely because of their sexuality. That isnot okay. Maybe they think they've got children's best interests atheart, but I think they are going the wrong way about it.
NO - Ben Summerskill, chief executive, Stonewall
Permitting any agency to turn away lesbian and gay couples would drive acoach and horses through the settled principle that the child's welfareshould come first. Lesbian and gay couples disproportionately adopt andfoster "hard-to-help" children. It has been shocking to see bishopsthreatening any such placement. Allowing exemptions in this area wouldalso stigmatise gay families, exhuming the distressing and offensiveclaim that gay people are unfit to raise children.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
