adoption in Florida

[aimeelicious]

By now, many of you probably know that as of today Florida has an official, on the books ban against gay/lesbian people adopting children. If you want some details, check out entrenous88's write up and link to the New York Times article.

As an adopted person, I am appalled that any state in this country would deny a child's right to a safe and loving home. Because that's what this really does--yes, it prevents gays from becoming legal parents and that is wrong, but it's ultimately about the kids. Kids who deserve a chance to be loved and cared for like the innocent victims of fate that they are. Is being in foster care better for them than being with a gay parent? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I am both sad and outraged that our civilized society, even with its flaws, allows such a thing. The religious right wants to stop abortion? Giving unwanted children fewer options after they're born isn't going to help.

I just don't understand how this is happening, and I feel so powerless to stop it. No matter how many letters I send, petitions I sign, money I donate, the tide keeps coming, relentless and blind to the consequences of what it seeks.

This is a sad day for me, and for America, and most of all for the children in Florida who will continue to exist on the whims of the state, with foster parents in fear and case workers in charge of their fate.

Comments

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Definitely important to read from the perspective of someone like yourself, who can speak from the experience of the adopted child. It's appalling that the criteria for adoption in FL has been centered on the issue of sexuality (since every other category/issue receives review, unlike gay/lesbian candidates, who are rejected outright).

I agree with you -- it's disheartening and discouraging. I think one approach that I'm trying to implement myself is donating more and more time to local/regional/state candidates, since so many of them are the ones that influence lower-court appointments, which in turn influence who makes it to the levels of high court nominees.