The Florida Adoption Law passed in 1977 states, "no person is eligible to adopt if that person is homosexual. " 32 years later this law is still in place. I am appalled at how unjust and discriminatory this is. Thousands of foster care children are waiting for adoption and thousands of gay adults are looking to adopt. What's even more infuriating is that gay adults in Florida are allowed to foster children but do not have the right to adopt the children they have built a lasting relationship with.
Hopefully this is all about to change. According to Equality Florida, an organization dedicated to securing equality and justice for Florida's LGBT community, Florida Senators Mandy Dawson, Nan Rich and Representative Mary Brandenburg have introduced a set of bills that would repeal the ban and make "the best interest of the child" the only criteria for determining adoption. The bills would also allows well qualified foster parents to adopt after a period of 3 years. To all Florida lawmakers, we need you to open your eyes, put children first and lift this ban.
Here are a few ways you can takepart :
1. If you are in Florida, Equality Florida recommends that you talk to your state lawmaker by setting up an “in-district” visit. By using these talking points and sharing your personal stories, you can make a huge difference in the lives of Florida youth who need permanent homes.
2. If you live outside of Florida, you can help out by joining Equality Florida.
(photo courtesy of nerdcoregirl's flickr photostream - creative commons) The Florida Adoption Law passed in 1977 states, "no person is eligible to adopt if that person is homosexual. " 32 years later this law is still in place. I am appalled at how unjust and discriminatory this is. Thousands of foster care children are waiting for adoption and thousands of gay adults are looking to adopt. What's even more infuriating is that gay adults in Florida are allowed to foster children but do not have the right to adopt the children they have built a lasting relationship with.
Hopefully this is all about to change. According to Equality Florida, an organization dedicated to securing equality and justice for Florida's LGBT community, Florida Senators Mandy Dawson, Nan Rich and Representative Mary Brandenburg have introduced a set of bills that would repeal the ban and make "the best interest of the child" the only criteria for determining adoption. The bills would also allows well qualified foster parents to adopt after a period of 3 years. To all Florida lawmakers, we need you to open your eyes, put children first and lift this ban.
Here are a few ways you can takepart :
1. If you are in Florida, Equality Florida recommends that you talk to your state lawmaker by setting up an “in-district” visit. By using these talking points and sharing your personal stories, you can make a huge difference in the lives of Florida youth who need permanent homes.
2. If you live outside of Florida, you can help out by joining Equality Florida.
(photo courtesy of nerdcoregirl's flickr photostream - creative commons) 
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