Florida State Senator Nan Rich, a Democrat (of course), is quietly introducing 2 bills which would end Florida’s ridiculous and discriminatory ban on adoptions by gay men and lesbians. While fundamental religious activists continue to claim gay and lesbian parents are not fit and are unstable to be parents, social science studies have all indicated gay men and lesbians are actually very good parents. Myths related to child molestation, increased likelihood of homosexuality in children, and higher levels of mental distress have all been debunked.
And major child welfare organizations like the National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, and American Psychological Association have all spoken-out in-favor of gay and lesbian adoptions and have published large numbers of position statements supporting removal of any barriers to allowing gay men and lesbians to become parents and/or adopt children. In addition, a Florida Supreme Court has ruled the ban unconstitutional but several religious organizations have been fighting the decision in court. If Nan Rich’s bills pass, then it won’t matter how the court eventually rules.
Incidentally, this ban is also quite expensive for Florida’s taxpayers, who are footing the bill for thousands of children who could be adopted into loving homes to remain in foster care. Read my comprehensive Cost/Benefit Analysis of Florida’s Ban on Gay Adoptions under the “Research” link (above).
