Ireland liberalises adoption law for same-sex couples

Ireland has published a law that, if implemented, would allow same-sex couples to adopt.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James O'Reilly, published the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 last week, which would also provide for joint parenting of same-sex couples.

Previously one partner of a same-sex couple could apply to adopt as a sole applicant.

This law follows the legalisation of same-sex 'marriage' in Ireland last year, after 62% of the electorate voted in favour.

At the time of the referendum, Special Rapporteur for Children Geoffrey Shannon assured at the time that legalising same-sex 'marriage' would not affect adoption law in any way, yet this amendment has been proposed only a year later.
 

Same-sex adoption in the UK

In the UK same-sex adoption was legalised in 2002. Since then, the number of adoptions by same-sex couples has risen steeply, and over the past five years risen fourfold - one in 12 children is now adopted by a same-sex couple, despite those identifying as LGBT making up only 1.5% of the population. The sharp increase is considered to be facilitated by pressure on adoption agencies from LGBT activists.
 

'Children do best when brought up by a married mum and dad'

In response to the rising figures in adoption by same-sex couples, Christian Concern's Chief Executive Andrea Williams commented, encouraging more Christian couples to consider adoption.

“Being placed in a loving Christian home where the child is introduced to the unconditional love and saving work of Jesus Christ is the best possible outcome for a child in care,” she said.

“Here is a need to be met and we encourage more Christian couples to consider this option.”

The Rev David Robertson, Free Church of Scotland Moderator, has also 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."

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to express the view that children fare better with a mother and a father, without facing at best criticism and at worst removal from one's profession.
 

Campaigner targeted for speaking up for marriage

Dr Robert Lopez, an English professor at California State University, 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 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.

If you believe you may be able to help to meet the need for more Christian adoptive and foster parents, Home For Good offers helpful advice and resources.

Related Links: 
Growing Up With Two Moms: The Untold Children's View (The Public Discourse)
Marriage is Our Future: Bobby Lopez's Story (Alliance Defending Freedom) 
Home for Good website