Letter to Mary Margaret Whipple,
District 31, Virginia Senate, about HR2921 (VA “anti-gay” adoption bill)
(Feb. 16. 2005)
Dear Sen. Whipple: I believe
that I live in District 31 (
Rep. Richard Black has
introduced a bill (HR2921) requiring that applicants to adopt children ask if
either parent is homosexual ("must ask must tell" rather than
"don't ask don't tell"), and prohibit adoption by any household with
a homosexual parent. I understand that the Supreme Court allowed to stand a somewhat similar provision in
A good web reference occurs in
the Jan. 25 Washington Times, at http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20050125-101106-3685r.htm
Of course, I am against the
measure, and I believe that if it passed, it could encourage further copycat
measures, such as an attempt to ban gay teachers, or at least gays from
teaching in some situations (like special education, in conjunction with NCLB).
One factor to remember is that federal law now has a legal definition for the
word "homosexual" in its 1993 Defense Authorization Bill, the now
notorious law that created the "don't ask don't tell" policy for
homosexuals in the military but which is also capable of setting a bad legal precendent for sensitive workplace situations in civilian
life.
Rep. Eisenberg advises me that
it was reported out of committee with the following wording:
"this bill will now directs
that the investigative report presented by the adoption agency to a judge prior
to entry of an order of adoption include information on whether the
petitioner is known to engage in current voluntary homosexual activity or is
unmarried and cohabiting with another adult to whom he is not related by blood
or marriage. This information would be in addition to information on
whether the petitioner is financially able, morally suitable, in satisfactory
physical and mental health and a proper person to care for and to train the
child, among other criteria."
Nevertheless, this bill is
obviously very slanderous of GLBT people and implies that they should not take
part in an important social responsibility (raising children), and therefore
could be denied rights in other areas. I also understand that the Senate
Judiciary Committe has invited Paul Cameron to
testify. Mr. Cameron is well known for his extremist views and he generally
does not have a good reputation within the professional psychological
committee.
I hope you will vote this bill
down (as did Rep. Eisenberg).
Business address
4201 Wilson Blvd #110-688
Best phone number is
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