Difficulties That Same-Sex Couples Go Through to Adopt
The definition of "family" is one that has changed throughout history. Today, many same-sex couples make wonderful parents and raise children in a healthy and supportive environment. Despite this fact, some same-sex couples still encounter some difficulties when they try to adopt a child. This can be discouraging for those who feel they have much to offer as parents.
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Legal Roadblocks
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Although most states do not legally prohibit same-sex couples from adopting, there are three exceptions to that rule. In Arkansas and Utah, it is not possible for a gay couple to be married. These states both have statutes that prevent a non-married couple from adopting. Mississippi also has a similar law, and it only allows single gay and lesbian people to adopt. Florida had a law that totally banned gay adoption, but this was ruled unconstitutional in 2010 and was overturned.
Discrimination
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Many people have a view that a same-sex couple cannot raise a child as well as a heterosexual couple, no matter what evidence mounts to the contrary. Groups with conservative agendas continue to spread the message that children will suffer if they do not have both a mother and a father in their household when they are growing up. These types of groups actively protest gay marriage, and have supporters in the adoption and legal system who can make life difficult for same-sex couples trying to adopt. If a social worker is a believer in these messages, he will often find other reasons why a couple would be unsuitable parents beyond their orientation in order to squash their adoption efforts.
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Private Adoption Agencies
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Public adoption agencies have their policies impacted by the laws in their state. In New York, for example, a public adoption agency cannot discriminate against a couple based on their sexual orientation. The truth is that discrimination can still be a factor, but legally, an adoption decision cannot be based on that matter. Private adoption agencies are a different matter, though. These groups are free to set their own policies as to why a prospective couple is rejected. Many political, social and religious agendas cause these groups to deny same-sex applicants.
International Adoption
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More and more couples, gay and straight, are turning to international adoption as a means of starting a new family. However, same-sex couples can also face problems when trying to adopt in this way. First, the couple requires an adoption agency that will take them on as clients. Then, they need to find a country that allows same-sex couples to adopt children. Some countries have laws or social stigma that would prevent this from being possible. For example, China bans adoption of their children by same-sex couples.
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References
- AOL News: Florida Gay Adoption Ban Overturned, but 3 States Still Restrict It
- MSNBC: Florida Gay Adoption Ban Ends
- CNN: Gay Adoption: A New Take on the American Family
- FindLaw: Adoption and Same-Sex Couples: Types of Adoption
- The Rainbow Babies: Guide to International Adoption for Gay and Lesbian Families
- Adoption & Child Welfare Lawsite: Adoption Issues for Gay and Lesbians and Same-Sex Couples
Resources
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