I have thought a lot about the children languishing in foster care or group homes because there are not enough families willing or able to adopt. It makes me so sad. There are many older children waiting for a family that may never come. Every child deserves to be part of a loving family, but many couples want a baby. Older children and children with special needs are not as “adoptable.”

There are various opinions, I know, about the “appropriateness” of allowing gay couples to adopt. There is the same question (sometimes) about single parents, interracial couples, etc. You get the idea. It seems there are as many opinions as people. Some may fear that gay couples will raise gay children. Let me ask you this: how many heterosexual couples have raised gay children? How many homosexual parents have raised straight kids? It goes both ways. Another concern I have heard is that homosexual couples might be child molesters. Gay does not equal pedophile. How many straight people are sexual predators?

I have a few gay friends. I know they would make awesome parents. I also know some heterosexuals who would not make awesome parents! Families are created in a multitude of ways, but it’s really love that serves as the glue that keeps families together. I know many people will disagree with me on this, and that’s fine. A loving home is preferable to a temporary, and often damaging, solution. Why allow children to linger in the system for years when a family—yes, even a gay couple—is willing to love and treasure some of those children? Open your mind, put aside religion and politics and ask yourself: what is in the best interests of the children?