1 in 12 children adopted by same-sex couples
Statistics released from the Department of Education show that 120 children were adopted by same-sex couples in England in 2010. Last year, the number rose to 450.
This is a four-fold increase over the past five years, thought to be facilitated by pressure on adoption agencies by LGBT activists.
Adoption by same-sex couples was first legalised in 2002, and since then the number has consistently risen, despite widespread evidence that children thrive best when brought up by a mother and a father.
The Rev David Robertson, Free Church of Scotland Moderator, said: "We remain convinced that children need positive male and female role models and do best when brought up by a married mum and a dad. We encourage more heterosexual couples to consider adopting."
'Children flourish best in a loving home with a married mum and dad'
Sadly, such a stance is increasingly being viewed as 'discriminatory'.
Magistrate Richard Page, a Christian Legal Centre client, was disciplined last year for saying that a child should be placed with a mum and dad.
Mr Page, a Justice of the Peace who had served in Kent for 15 years, had expressed this view during an adoption case involving a same-sex couple, saying that it was his "legal duty" to fight for the "best interests" of the child.
He was told that this view was 'discriminatory' to same-sex couples, and publicly reprimanded by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice. He was barred from sitting as a Magistrate until he had completed 'equality training'.
Speaking of the case at the time, Mr Page said:
"My Christian faith informs me that children flourish best in a loving home with a married mum and dad. My 20 years of experience in mental health service also leads me to the same conclusion. This is not a matter of prejudice or bigotry but is based on knowledge and evidence that I have applied when seeking the best interests for a lifetime of a vulnerable child".
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, said at the time that the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice "have declared war on even residual notions of the faith having any place in our legal process."
Since he was disciplined, Richard Page has faced further legal challenges.
University professor targeted for opposing same-sex adoption
Dr Robert Lopez is another who has faced outrage from LGBT activists for believing that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and that children should be raised by a mother and father.
Dr Lopez, an English professor at California State University, is a long-time campaigner for true marriage. Raised by his mother and her lesbian partner, he said he always wished to have a relationship with his father, but was unable to meet him until later in life.
In 2012 Robert Lopez wrote an essay in online journal The Public Discourse on his upbringing, stating that it had been harmful to him and that he opposed same-sex marriage.
Since then several gay rights activists have targeted Dr Lopez for his work.
After hosting an independent conference discussing family relationships, including adoption and third party reproduction, students launched spurious complaints against him, designed to force him from his post.
Read more about Dr Lopez’s story and his ongoing challenges.
Related News:
Lord Chief Justice disciplines Christian Magistrate for belief about family
Professor falsely accused by students
LGBT adoption figures show sharp rise
Related Coverage:
Suspended and sent for 'equality training' - Christian magistrate who said: 'Adopted child needs mum and dad - not gay parents' (Mail)
Growing Up With Two Moms: The Untold Children’s View (Public Discourse)
Marriage is Our Future: Bobby Lopez’s Story (Alliance Defending Freedom)
