tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post1086523181550357748..comments2024-02-26T02:13:04.055-08:00Comments on Changing Nature of the American Family: Gay and Lesbian AdoptionSocfamilylesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634924626669544534noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post-19592952698191548962010-04-03T21:15:53.537-07:002010-04-03T21:15:53.537-07:00This post was also extremely interesting to me bec...This post was also extremely interesting to me because the information was so thorough and brought up many issues I never considered. While I have heard general debates over gay/lesbian adoptions, I have never looked at a list of state-by-state laws or understood the different ways gay/lesbian couples can go about adoption. First, I thought second-parent adoption seemed like a really smart choice for couples as it gives them the opportunity to each have equal custody of the child. It does seem though like it favors lesbian couples who can or want to have a biological child and then follow with a second-parent adoption, because gay couples do not have this option. However, is it possible in places where second-parent adoption is allowed to have couples adopt the child one parent at a time? It almost seemed as though this loop-hole could work, but I'm sure there are reasons why it would be stopped? I also thought the discussion on second-parent adoption was interesting because in states that do not allow it or are unclear on the topic, aren't then also prohibiting straight re-married couples from adopting one another's children? That seems a bit unfair all around. Overall, it seemed like a great option where it is available, but definitely prohibitive in many ways where it is not allowed. <br /><br />Also, I think it is really unfortunate that international adoption can prove so difficult for gay and lesbian couples because it is such a wonderful option. However, it does make sense to me that nations around the world are all on different pages, all function on different structures, and many of these are built on strong religious or moral beliefs. While it may not be what Americans agree with, it is understandable that countries are going to create adoption laws that are in line with their other laws and guidelines. In the same way that we value our children here and make laws and rules that we think provide them with the most protection, other nations are doing the same thing. And it seems to me like one of those questions where - is it our right to impose our values and beliefs on them? However, again it is so unfortunate that there are many children abroad who could be finding safe and loving homes if beliefs and laws were in line and gay and lesbian couples were welcomed in more international settings. <br /><br />CourtneyCourtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17396368769864045644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post-41618483070249092082010-03-31T11:23:26.052-07:002010-03-31T11:23:26.052-07:00I agree with most of the comments left by my fello...I agree with most of the comments left by my fellow classmates: yes, gay/lesbian adoption has become more accepted, and yes it will probably continue becoming more and more accepted. I just want to point out that equal rights for the LGBT population doesn't just happen because people think it should. I would like to point the spotlight on the thousands of LGBT civil rights advocates and activists who've made it possible through their work and devotion to human rights for all. <br /><br />I think you guys did a great job discussing all the options gay/lesbian couples have regarding adoption. I'd also like to see specific policies- as they vary by state or by agency- regulating gay/lesbian adoption. <br /><br />As a human rights activist myself, I suggest to each person of this class; find out what the policies are in your state, or in your home town and ask yourself who is responsible for maintaining such discriminatory or nondiscriminatory policy. Write to those who have power and demand equal rights for all peoples regardless of sexual orientation.Justiannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01021826642120385969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post-83661117613476402682010-03-31T08:29:07.922-07:002010-03-31T08:29:07.922-07:00I found this post to be very interesting and opene...I found this post to be very interesting and opened up my mind to thinking about the various components of gay and lesbian adoption. I feel that gay and lesbian couples have every right to adopt a child just as everyone else does. Just because they are the same sex does not mean they cannot take care of an adopted child. I think that it will become more and more easier for same sex couples to adopt in the future only because our society is changing vastly and starting to accept it. It is not fair to the children if they are not able to be adopted by same sex couples. Society also has to think about what that is doing to the children who are in foster care and waiting to be adopted. If I were a same sex couple trying to adopt I would definitely go with the second parent adoption option. This seems like the best choice for me because it gives both parents equal rights without taking away any rights from the birth mom. I would want my child to have parents that have equal rights.Cassandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212805321387066540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post-81746828636463427742010-03-30T20:53:09.635-07:002010-03-30T20:53:09.635-07:00I followed the link that stated where gay/lesbian ...I followed the link that stated where gay/lesbian adoption was legal and immediately went to my homestate of NH, where LGBT single adoption is legal, joint adoption is prohibited, and second parent adoption is unclear. I find it interesting that they are okay with children being raised by one gay/lesbian parent, but think having a second gay/lesbian is wrong. This would promote single parent households, while discouraging children from having a second parent to provide and care for them. I can't seem to find the benefit of their laws.<br /><br />In response to the question posed about which type of adoption I'd be likely to use, I think it depends on the type of child someone is looking for. I think the most popular is using an adoption agency because many American families want a newborn that resembles them. International adoption is also gaining popularity in America because parents want to help these children grow up in an environment that provides more opportunities. I'm partial to public adoption agencies though, because I feel like there are many children available for adoption in America that need help just as much as international children. I know most of the children in these agencies are older children (toddlers and older)and are typically minorities. These children are ignored due to their age and the physical differences they show from the adopting parents. I think this would most likely be the agency I would use in adoption.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799673044306831570.post-13785069447697355402010-03-30T17:41:04.940-07:002010-03-30T17:41:04.940-07:00I think it will be much easier for gay and lesbian...I think it will be much easier for gay and lesbian couples to adopt in the future. As mentioned in Monday's blog, our society is much more open and respectful of homosexuality now than it was decades ago. Celebrities and media are much more open about sexual orientation and still respected by society. It seems as though with the changes in legislation about gay marriage and media publicizing different sexual orientations, opportunities for couples who are homosexual to adopt will increase in the future. As for other countries, values and acceptance have not followed those of the U.S. in terms of sexual orientation so much, so international adoptions may still propose a few challenges for the gay community. I think with more conversation and display of acceptance for this issue, our society will grow to respect and understand the importance of equal rights for all people of different orientations.<br /><br />Elissa MayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com