November is National Adoption Month, and President Obama used part of his proclamation to urge equality in adoption laws so that more children can find good homes:
"America is a country rich in resources and filled with countless caring men and women who hope to adopt. These individuals come from all walks of life, united in their commitment to love a child who is in need of the protective arms of a parent. We must do more to ensure that adoption is a viable option for them. By continually opening up the doors to adoption, and supporting full equality in adoption laws for all American families, we allow more children to find the permanent homes they yearn for and deserve."
President Obama's statement about equality in adoption is very promising for LGBT people wanting to adopt and who are currently discriminated against. The president seems to understand that the staggering number of children stuck in the foster care system could be placed in permanent, loving homes if LGBT Americans were not discriminated against in the adoption process.
A partial answer comes in Congressman Pete Stark's bill to cut off funds to states and entities that discriminate in their adoption laws. The President seems to be sending a signal that he would support a bill like Stark's, but nothing is concrete at this point.
This proclamation by the president gives us good reason to celebrate and feel optimistic about the future of adoption in America.
