For decades, same-sex couples have struggled to adopt children, when they are unable to conceive. Utah is one of 17 states without any protections for these couples seeking to adopt. This means that any organization, anywhere in the state, can deny a couple adoption simply because of their sexuality.
In 2021, approximately two of every 1,000 children will enter into foster care. According to adopt.org, approximately 120,000 children need a permanent home in the United States. Why then, are we allowing discrimination against those who wish to adopt?
All children deserve the right to a safe and stable home and there are many same sex couples who are willing and able to provide that. 35% of the LGBTQ+ population lives in states where they are not explicitly protected again discrimination when trying to adopt. 22% live in states that openly allow state-licensed child welfare agencies to refuse placement with same-sex couples. That means that 1/5 of the LGBTQ+ population would struggle more than the average couple to adopt. The adoption process is already a long, strenuous, and costly process. Why continue to prevent children from placements that could positively alter their life course based on sexual orientation? This issue is not nearly talked about enough across the country or in Utah where same sex couples face discrimination freely. Let’s change that. Let’s talk about it and give it the attention that it deserves. Because this is an issue that could affect approximately 1/3 of the LGBTQ+ population and that is unacceptable.
Abigail Peterson, Clinton
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