I would like to give the context behind this article about a rule proposed on Nov. 1 that would supposedly "allow adoption and foster care agencies to receive federal grants, even if they choose to reject LGBTQ couples as potential parents for religious reasons." Here's some background:
A woman facing an unplanned pregnancy might evaluate her three options and choose adoption. If she does choose adoption, she wants to specify what kind of adoptive parents will raise her child. She might want her baby to go to a Korean couple, or a couple of Jewish or Catholic faith, or a two-career couple, or a couple with a stay-at-home mom, or a college-educated couple. OR, yes, she might also specify a heterosexual, Christian couple. That birthmother makes an adoption plan BECAUSE she believes that the adoptive parents who meet her criteria will give her child the kind of life she wants for her child, but can't give at this time.
The issue became heated because adoption agencies arranging adoptive parents for newborns want to be able to honor birthmothers' wishes. It is the birth parents' right to choose the kind of adoptive parents they want to place their baby with.
The adoption agency works hard to honor those wishes.
The adoption agency exists to find homes that are acceptable to the birth parents. It does not exist to further (or block) anyone else's agenda.
This does not mean gay couples can't adopt. They can. And there are all kinds of adoption agencies! There are agencies that specialize in Jewish placement, Catholic placement, etc. There are also agencies that specialize in LGBT adoption. Here's an example. If you are hoping to adopt, go to the agency that's aligned with what you're seeking. The variety is out there.
The repeal of this Obama law, as proposed this month, takes the handcuffs off of adoption agencies so they can live their faith AND honor birth parents' wishes.
Let's remember that the birth parents are making a brave and noble choice, to place their baby with parents who are ready, willing and able to care for their child. Let's not make it political. Let's honor those birthparents by abiding by their wishes!