Writes James, on The Virginia Progressive:
The Health, Welfare and Human Services committee weakened legislation proposed by Del. Dick Black (R-Loudon) that would have banned gay adoption in Virginia, but sent it to the House of Delegates where it awaits a vote on final passage.
The bill, as amended, would make sexual orientation a factor in determining the fitness of prospective parents and would allow judges to reject unmarried heterosexual couples on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Black, the bill’s original sponsor, claimed the ban was necessary because homosexuals are prone to abuse, depression and suicide and because they may not be able to provide stable family relationships.
All of this, of course, is completely unfounded. In fact, as I’ve said before, the American Psychological Association, has stated clearly that there are NO discernible social or pyschological differences in children raised by gay parents.
The Daily Press makes this point: Gay couples often adopt hard-to-place children, such as biracial babies or children who are HIV-infected.
See “Why do Republicans hate orphans?” for background.