Thursday 21 February 2013

Independent: Same sex adoption

http://www.independent.com.mt/mobile/2013-02-10/letters/same-sex-adoption-828768257/
Sunday, 10 February 2013, 09:01

In the course of this election campaign, all political parties are expressing their views what to do (if elected to govern) in the forthcoming five-year term. It is said that the issue of adoptive children by gays and lesbians would be considered, provided that such adoptions are in the interest of the children. It is to be stated that this issue like the divorce issue should not be a political one, as this is a moral issue.

Moves by legislators and homosexual activists to endorse same sex adoption are misguided. They are ignoring the rights of children and important social and psychological research into the homosexual lifestyle.

Experimenting on children by permitting adoption by same sex couples poses serious problems. Children have a right to and a need for parenting by both a father and a mother. This need should be recognised by the state and by professional groups as far more important than an adult’s supposed right to adopt.

The risks in same-sex unions – Same sex relationships do not provide an ideal environment in which to raise children for several reasons.

Same sex couples tend to be promiscuous. One of the largest studies of same sex couples revealed that only seven of 156 couples had a sexual relationship that was totally monogamous.

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stated: “Since this question relates to the natural moral law, the arguments that follow are addressed not only to those who believe in Christ, but to all those committed to promoting and defending the common good of society.” The Church teaches that its concept of natural law is anabsolute truth.

“Homosexuality is a troubling moral and social phenomenon. It gives rise to greater concern in those countries that have granted or intend to grant legal recognition to homosexual unions that may include the possibility of adopting children.”

This document was approved by Pope (Blessed) John Paul II on 28 March 2003.

Children need a mother and a father. The most important issue is the welfare of the child. Social science research has repeatedly demonstrated the vital importance of both a father and a mother for the healthy development of children and the serious risks they face if they are raised without a mother or a father. Mothers and fathers bring unique gifts that are essential to the health of a child.

Children who were deprived of maternal care for extended periods in their early lives “lacked feeling, had superficial relationships, and exhibited hostile or antisocial tendencies” as they developed into adulthood. The rights and needs of children to a mother and a father should be protected by the state. Adults do not have a right to deprive children of a father or a mother.

A grave injustice for adopted children – There are strong indications that children raised by same sex couples fare less well than children raised in stable homes with a mother and a father.

An adopted child has been separated from his or her biological parents. The child feels this loss. For this reason adoption agencies historically have sought the best possible placement – a sensitive and stable married couple. A same-sex couple is by definition a second-class placement, since a parent of the opposite sex is missing.

A grave injustice to adoptive children is occurring as growing numbers of Catholic social service adoption agencies that have provided outstanding help to children, parents and families for decades are being denied the right to continue. Legislatures are placing the rights of homosexual unions to adopt above the needs and rights of children to a mother and a father.

Deliberately depriving a child of a father or a mother harms the child. Social science research supports this view. Adoptive children have experienced early-life abandonment trauma and should be protected from the additional trauma of being exposed to a cruel social experiment. Will no one step forward to protect these children?

On 9 March the Maltese go to the polls. It must be said that whichever party is elected to govern, the responsibility rests with each Member of Parliament elected in the new legislature. MPs should bear public witness to their personal faith and should not fall into what is called “the trap of moral relativism”. The true Catholic voter should seek, with a clear conscience, the truth and the common good.

This is defined by Benedict XVI: “A man of conscience, is one who never acquires tolerance, well-being, success, public standing, and approval on the part of prevailing opinion, at the expense of truth.”

However, the common good is given a different interpretation by today’s society.

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