Case Study: Presently in UK, the christain adoption agencies has decided shut down if the government makes it illegal [under racial and sexual discrimination laws] for them to turn away gay couples. Homosexuality goes against core orthodox christian values and rather than go against their convictions and obey the law, these agencies are willing to withdraw their services....
Bear in mind that this law has the tendency for government to force their idea of morality on people. The church seeks exemption from having to place children with gay families but does not fanatically oppose gay adoption.
Do you think they deserve special treatment simiply becos of their beliefs? OR should the govt's law override beliefs and other convictions?
2007-01-29 05:00:31 · 16 answers · asked by Millie 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Well, they are not government funded... They run on public donations.
2007-01-29 05:16:26 · update #1
Freedom of religious beliefs is being violated if they are forced to do something against their convictions. They should have to freedom to deny children to homosexuals if they feel that it wouldn't be in the best interest of the child. I'm sure they have the freedom to deny children to others for other reasons.
And I'm sure there are other adoption agencies who are more liberal in these matters and wouldn't have a problem sending a child to a homosexual couple. Government has gotten way too big and controling!!!
2007-01-29 05:11:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
If the religious organization is running the service, they have every right to choose the type of person who is going to adopt the child, as long as the parents giving up the child for adoption understand these standards. They could choose to give the baby to people with only brown eyes, or certain religious beliefs.
2007-01-29 05:06:50 · answer #2 · answered by Bird Breath 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is truly a fundamental battle, brewing these days.
I suppose if people were concerned for "the best interests of the children," they would allow the Church to place children in some homes, rather than force it to stop placing at all. Or would people say that the Church is being unChristian by allowing kids to languish in orphanages or foster homes?
What is the research on same-sex couples as a home for children? does it matter?
I'm all questions, no answers.
2007-01-29 05:06:52 · answer #3 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It should be up to the agency, if it is privately funded. The government should not force them to accept any position.
In the US, I support civil unions and adoption by gay couples. However, I think homosexuality is a sin and I support the right of a church to expel homosexuals or embrace homosexuals, without government interference.
2007-01-29 05:06:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is not "special treatment" to enforce anti-discrimination laws. If that is the law of the land, then the companies and agencies in that land need to obey the law. They may not like it, it may go against their traditions, but, like other laws, they are subject to it. Are the employees of the christian adoption agency allowed to speed? To not pay their taxes? No.
P.S. I live in Massachusetts, USA, where the Catholic church did just that - they stopped their adoption agency here rather than include gay families.
2007-01-29 05:06:47 · answer #5 · answered by Steven D 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I would think that no gay couple would go to a religious adoption agency...knowing what their success chances would be.
As far as the Agency closing...thats their right. If they don't feel they can follow the laws laid down by the government, they have no choice but to close...or face criminal charges.
The world is moving forward...hopefully minds are broadening. And this is proof. If the Church wants to keep its antiquated thinking and remain in the dark ages, they are better to close...
2007-01-29 05:09:04 · answer #6 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
I think that government in general should not impose ethical values on people, including forciing christians to accept homosexuality.
Maybe Homosexuals should use a different adoption agency?
2007-01-29 05:06:12 · answer #7 · answered by badneighborvt 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Discrimination is discrimination whether or not it is based on moronic thoughts or religious beliefs.
The government is not forcing it's morality on people it is forcing equal treatment. The church is doing so when it refuses to allow a couple to adopt a child that needs a home based on sexual orientation.
I don't think it a very Christian thing to deny a child a happy home or to judge people, but perhaps my views on Christianity are liberal compared to some/most.
I cannot murder in the name of my religion. I cannot steal in the name of my religion, why should Chrisitans, or anyone other religious entity be able to circumvent the laws based on religion???
2007-01-29 05:08:43 · answer #8 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Good for the agency. Stand for what you believe even if it mean shutting down. No government should have the right to dictate what a religious group can do.
2007-01-29 05:07:28 · answer #9 · answered by Alex 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I agree with them wholeheartedly and would say that if they're not receiving government aid, they can and should do whatever the heck they want...place kids with whomever, and restrict adoptions as they see fit. However, they're in a tough bind if they receive any sort of government sustenance, as they're beholden to a non-religious, non-sectarian organization that, unfortunately, forces morality on people without discernment.
2007-01-29 05:05:06 · answer #10 · answered by sillycanuckpei 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋