Gov. Bob McDonnell: Heterosexuals are ‘the best, the norm,’ but VA law lets single gays adopt
Why, when there are so many kids that need homes, is it illegal in Virginia for gay couples to adopt?
”Well, that’s a policy decision that’s been made a while back. I tell you what the policy is — is that people who can adopt are either single people, or — and then there are factors that are in the best interest of the child that Social Services use — or married couples. Those are public policy decisions that have been in place for a very long time.
”But that’s where we are now. And, the problem is promoting more education to get more people interested in adopting kids, particularly the special needs kids. There’s some funding available for that. But you know, there’s a waiting list — there are plenty of adoptive parents for the normal, healthy child. You know, the problem has been some of what’s called ‘special needs kids.’ That’s where the challenge is. We need more people to step forward and be good loving parents and come forward with that.”
But why not allow good, loving homosexual parents to adopt. Do you believe that a person’s sexual orientation makes them a bad parent?
”No, and that’s not the law anyway. Because a single person, whether they’re gay or straight can adopt.”
And you support that?
”Yeah. Now, but there are factors that go into that. The Social Services has to look at the home. They do a home study, and they do other things to determine what other factors in the lifestyle might be a factor. But I believe — and this has been true, I think, Mark, throughout American history — is that a two-parent loving family of a mom and a dad is still really the best way to raise a child. I think we — most people believe that. So, that’s — that’s the norm. But we do allow other people to adopt.
So, you don’t believe personally that a gay couple would make good parents?
”I just think that the current law is working well. There are ample number of parents and individual citizens that are unmarried that are willing to be adoptive parents, except in that special needs category where we still got challenges.”
Bob McDonnell, the Republican Governor of Virginia, spoke with Mark Seagraves of DC’s WTOP radio yesterday as part of their “Ask the Governor” program. A fan of WTOP’s Facebook page, Heidi, had answered the radio station’s open call for questions. McDonnell seemed to stumble with his reply the question. (WTOP)
Two weeks ago. Metro Weekly reported that McDonnell stood opposed to a regulation that his predecessor, Gov. Tim Kaine (D), had supported. It would have cleared the way for gay couples to adopt. But on April 20, the Virginia State Board of Social Services rejected the provision with a vote of 7-2.
Read more here about the way social conservatives are actively seeking to suppress legal adoption rights for both gay couples and singles — in this region and across the USA.
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