Barack Obama has expressed his support for same-sex couples' right to adopt children, according to the Family Equality Council. The group had sought to learn the presidential candidates' positions on the topic, and only Obama responded.
However, John McCain has previously expressed his opposition to adoption by gays in a July 13 New York Times article.
"We also have to do more to support and strengthen LGBT families," Obama wrote in his letter to the group, dated August 1. "Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom. That’s why we have to repeal laws like the Defense of Marriage Act. That’s why we have to eliminate discrimination against LGBT families. And that’s why we have to extend equal treatment in our family and adoption laws."
Obama also touted his plans to expand the Family Medical Leave Act, pass laws to prohibit caregiver discrimination, and encourage businesses to allow more flexible schedules for workers.
While McCain and his wife, Cindy, have an adopted child, he said to the Times, "I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family, so no, I don't believe in gay adoption. I encourage adoption and I encourage the opportunities for people to adopt children. I encourage the process being less complicated so they can adopt as quickly as possible. And Cindy and I are proud of being adoptive parents."
According to the Family Equality Council, same-sex parents are raising 4% of all adopted children in the United States as well as 3% of all children in foster care.
However, John McCain has previously expressed his opposition to adoption by gays in a July 13 New York Times article.
"We also have to do more to support and strengthen LGBT families," Obama wrote in his letter to the group, dated August 1. "Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom. That’s why we have to repeal laws like the Defense of Marriage Act. That’s why we have to eliminate discrimination against LGBT families. And that’s why we have to extend equal treatment in our family and adoption laws."
Obama also touted his plans to expand the Family Medical Leave Act, pass laws to prohibit caregiver discrimination, and encourage businesses to allow more flexible schedules for workers.
While McCain and his wife, Cindy, have an adopted child, he said to the Times, "I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family, so no, I don't believe in gay adoption. I encourage adoption and I encourage the opportunities for people to adopt children. I encourage the process being less complicated so they can adopt as quickly as possible. And Cindy and I are proud of being adoptive parents."
According to the Family Equality Council, same-sex parents are raising 4% of all adopted children in the United States as well as 3% of all children in foster care.
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