Gay adoption in the UK
A poll commissioned by Barnardo’s and released on 31 January 2011 shows that one in three people do not think gay couples can parent as well as heterosexual couples.
However, Barnardo’s strongly feels that there is no room for discrimination when it comes to potential adopters and foster carers.
Can gay people adopt?
Barnardo’s wants to hear from anybody who wants to find out more about fostering or adoption. We do not exclude anyone from consideration on the grounds of sexual orientation, race, marital status, gender, disability or employment status.
Watch this film about same sex couple Chantelle and Nicola to find out about their experiences of fostering through Barnardo’s.
Find out more about who can adopt.
Our views on gay adoption
Barnardo’s chief executive Anne Marie Carrie says:
The poll not only highlights a disturbing and prevalent belief system, but also a deepening concern that children in the care system are continuing to lose out on potential parents.
Society’s attitude plays a pivotal role in discouraging people from considering adoption. The idea that gay parents are second best must be challenged. To suggest that a same sex couple is not as able to raise a child as a heterosexual couple is at once absurd and unsubstantiated. To continue to discourage potential adopters simply because of their sexual orientation is severely diminishing the chances of securing loving, stable homes for the children who are waiting.
This debate needs to be urgently raised and myths surrounding how sexuality, race, marital status and gender can affect your parenting dispelled.