4 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 5

to deter these devoted would-be parents. It is not possible to discriminate against prospective GLBT parents, without also showing utter disrespect for the thousands of kids who need them so desperately.

Respect is also due to those whose religious beliefs do not condone homosexuality. In an article concerning discrimination published in Christianity Today, "There is no wish to discriminate against gay people in service provision," said Don Horrocks, the Evangelical Alliance's head of public affairs. "Rather, Christians and other religious groups don't want to find themselves coerced by law to facilitate or promote homosexual activity. It involves a basic religious liberty freedom of conscience." It should also be noted however, that such actions also cross the line where privacy issues are concerned, once again leaving the kids out in the cold.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair made his stance on discrimination quite clear in 2007, when he ruled that "Roman Catholic adoption agencies should not be exempted" (James, 2007). Despite the ruling though, The Roman Catholic Church warned of its decision to cease placing children into any homes, let alone those of GLBT parents. Ironically, during the ongoing debates over GLBT adoption, no gay person has objected to any religious beliefs which imply that intimate relations must be kept between heterosexual couples, because they see that the issue is not relevant to the needs of the children.

Modern law says that discrimination is not permitted in a workplace environment; therefore, it can also be said that it is hypocritical for anyone to pass judgment about the morals of prospective parents based on their own religious or homophobic opinions. The same can be said for schools, where more needs to be done to implement anti-harassment policies. Unfortunately, it is not always the children who are to blame for harassment and discrimination in schools. The American Civil Liberties Union (n.d) reports that "In spite of this progress, many GLBT youth face tremendous difficulties when they go to school every day. Harassment is commonplace - nearly 70% of GLBT students say they have been harassed, threatened, or physically assaulted at school. And schools themselves are often part of the problem - 53% of students say they've heard homophobic comments made by school staff." It is worth restating now, that it is logical to allow books about homosexuality in all public and school libraries in an attempt to defeat ignorance.

Social

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Lesbian and gay adoption rights?
We want to hear your view. Write now!