In a March 23, 2006 opinion piece by columnist Ellen Goodman, she states: “We all talk about “the best interest of the child.” What makes up that interest? On my list are attention, love, security, humor and a besotted family racing to keep one step ahead of an active toddler. Of course, a little bias on that child’s behalf never hurts.”

This article explores the subject of gay foster care and adoption.

From Ellen Goodman’s March 23rd article: “Many see gay adoption as another issue to rally the right in the culture wars. There are efforts under way in 16 states for laws to ban gay adoptions. These would add to a crazy quilt of state laws ranging from Florida, which bans gay adoptions but allows gay foster parents;  to Mississippi, which bans adoption by gay couples but not gay singles; to Utah, which prohibits all unmarried couples from adopting.

“The effect of all this opposition is not to prevent gay people from becoming parents,” says Adam Pertman of the Donaldson Adoption Institute.  “All it can do is diminish the pool of mothers and fathers for children who need homes.”

For Ellen Goodman’s complete opinion piece on this subject, go to  http://www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/good0323.htm