Debate Over Gay Adoption

Thursday, July 14, 2005

SRS is in charge of adoptions in the state. At any time, more than 4,000 children are in need of a home. This year only 600 of them will be adopted and now there could be changes in who can adopt these children.

This year, a ban on gay marriage began the legislative session. Next year, the hot topic could be a gay adoption ban.

“I personally believe it’s not in the best interest of children not to be placed into an adoption with homosexual individuals or a couple,” says Republican State Representative Steve Huebert, of Valley Center. He’s leading the charge. He began looking into the issue after a constituent expressed concern.

He says he didn’t even realize the state allowed homosexuals to adopt. In Kansas, married couples and individuals are allowed to adopt children. Whether a person is gay isn’t part of the evaluation process. Huebert hopes a legislative interim committee will review that process this summer and start a change in the system.

The controversy over gay rights came to a head in Kansas this April with a vote on a constitutional marriage ban. Gay rights activists’ say they knew this issue would be under attack next.

“There’s a pretty clear social conservative agenda,” says Patrick Hutchinson, with Equality Kansas. “This is just next on the agenda.”

As they did in April, gay rights activists plan to fight. They hope this time, for their children’s sake, they win.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius says she won’t support any proposal to stop gays and lesbians from adopting children. She says parentless children shouldn’t be blocked from having loving parents. On Monday, we’ll find out if this issue will be discussed during the interim session. We’ll keep you updated.