Revision to Newfoundland and Labrador’s 50 year old adoption laws will come into effect in June 2002. Gay and Lesbian couples will be able to legally adopt children. The new legislation also allows for co-adoption, and gives children more rights in the adoption process. Records can now be opened, and medical information revealed.
Quoted in PlanetOut news, Judith Grove, executive director of the Adoption Council of Canada, says the legislation is progressive, especially in its inclusion of common-law and same-sex couples.
All of this comes at a time when adoption rights are being debated in the state of Florida. A high profile case, which involves a gay couple’s fight to keep their foster child, is receiving huge support from daytime talk show host, and child advocate, Rosie O’Donnell. In a recent interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, O’Donnell revealed to the world her lesbian orientation, hoping to help Bert, age 10, stay with the only family he has ever known; the Lofton-Crouteau family. In the same interview, the 5 children who are in the foster care of Steve Lofton and Roger Crouteau, described life in a gay family as normal and healthy.
O’Donnell is also known among many of her viewers as a devoted mother, and is loved by children. A member of St. John’s gay community quoted that he, "...would love to have Rosie as a Mom. She’s so much fun!" This sentiment seems to be echoed by her fans.
Grove believes that Newfoudland’s revised law could affect adoption in other provinces, and will be watched closely.
Congratulations to Newfoundland and Labrador on taking a further step towards consistency with the Canadian Charter of Human Rights.
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Editor's Note: Ann Shortall of THE's editorial board, expressed concern that Rosie O'Donnell should express a preference that her children be heterosexual. She thinks this communicates an unfortunate lack of acceptance, and is poor role modelling.