Florida Governor Softens Stance On Gay Adoption

[240 is Back]

Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist appears to be softening his stance on gay adoption.

Florida remains the only state in the nation with an outright ban on gay adoption. Several states have banned gay adoption in a roundabout way – Arkansas being the latest – by limiting marriage to heterosexual couples and prohibiting unmarried couples from adopting.

The governor set off on a four city media tour to promote adoption on Wednesday after declaring July 22 Explore Adoption Day.

“If Governor Crist truly believes in helping the thousands of Florida children who are awaiting adoption, he should be supporting legislation to repeal Florida's ban on adoption by gays and lesbians,” the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida said in a statement Monday. “It is disingenuous to urge the expansion of adoption, and at the same time ban an entire segment of eligible and qualified adults from being able to adopt.”

Crist, a U.S. Senate candidate, hinted he might support legislation that lifts the ban.

[BayGBM]

Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist appears to be softening his stance on gay adoption.

Florida remains the only state in the nation with an outright ban on gay adoption. Several states have banned gay adoption in a roundabout way – Arkansas being the latest – by limiting marriage to heterosexual couples and prohibiting unmarried couples from adopting.

The governor set off on a four city media tour to promote adoption on Wednesday after declaring July 22 Explore Adoption Day.

“If Governor Crist truly believes in helping the thousands of Florida children who are awaiting adoption, he should be supporting legislation to repeal Florida's ban on adoption by gays and lesbians,” the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida said in a statement Monday. “It is disingenuous to urge the expansion of adoption, and at the same time ban an entire segment of eligible and qualified adults from being able to adopt.”

Crist, a U.S. Senate candidate, hinted he might support legislation that lifts the ban.

These strategies are so silly.  They are designed to advance the agenda of opponents of gay adoption--not “protect” children.  I am sure there are gay couples in Arkansas and Florida who have the time, resources, and inclination to provide a loving home to orphaned children in need--including a college education!  What they are not inclined to do is put up with the bigotry and political bullshit associated with restrictions and bans on gay adoption.

Given a choice between fighting and unnecessary battle that could drag on for years and expose you to unwanted publicity in order to adopt a child or buying yourself, say, a new car which would you choose?  The only ones being hurt by these bans are the children languishing in foster care.  Alas, many of them will grow up to be very maladjusted adults and become a drag on society.  For the vast majority, foster care is a horrible way to grow up and most foster kids are expelled into the real world at age 18.  How many people are prepared to fend for themselves at 18?