No exemption for Catholic agencies
over gay adoption
By Cornelia Lucey
ENDING speculation last week British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced
that Catholic adoption agencies will no longer have an exemption from
gay adoption rights.
In two years if Catholic adoption agents continue to accept government
grants —which much of their work is dependent upon — they
must also provide adoption services to gay couples.
But the decision has caused a lot of controversy within various quarters.
Defending his decision Mr Blair said: “I have listened to the views
of all the sides. But there is no place in our society for discrimination.”
Mr Blair had originally expressed the intention to exempt Catholic agencies
— but most of the cabinet publicly opposed this.
Catholic and Secretary of State for Communities Ruth Kelly who led the
Catholic agencies’ views in the cabinet said: “The deal is
a breakthrough that should be welcomed by everyone. Giving Catholic agencies
until the end of 2008 to implement the equality laws would give them time
to adapt and address how they work.”
However Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, speaking on BBC Radio 4,
said: “I am very disappointed that we have not been given the exemption
we required. It is now proven that we have a lack of freedom.
“The Catholic Church is wishing to act according to its conscience
and principals but we are being denied the opportunity to do this by the
government.
“They are creating a new norm for what marriage is — but we
believe a child should be brought up by a father and a mother.”
The Catholic community in Britain also seem to be divided on the subject.
Anthony Hanlon from Irish Health and Homes said: “Why shouldn’t
Catholic adoption agencies work with gay couples? If they are State-funded
they need to be State-ruled.”
But Marie Clucey expressed fears that if adoption agencies were against
working with gay couples it would be wrong for them to be forced to.
She said: “If Catholic adoption agencies are forced to provide their
services to gay couples, they won’t provide the optimal level of
service.”
Here’s what Irish Post readers had to say on the subject...
John O’Dwyer
“I am totally in favour of the decision made by Tony Blair. No
one should be exempt when it comes to rulings on equality. Cardinal Cormac
Murphy O’Connor has responded in a way that is to be expected of
the Catholic Church — this is a big loss for him and the Church.
He is still complaining because understandably he is now trying to defend
the Church’s authority. But his stance is not valid in this instance.”
Anthony Hanlon
“In my opinion it is important that State organisations are not
sectarian. The Catholic Church — when it is working with the State
— should be prepared and willing to look after all people from all
walks of life. Why shouldn’t Catholic adoption agencies work with
gay couples? If they are State-funded they need to be State-ruled. It
would be different if they were privately-funded — then they could
do what they want.”
Siobhan Gorman
“It’s a touchy subject. When the Cardinal spoke out I was
certain that his respected point of view would be taken on board. I thought
the strength of the Catholic hierarchy would reign through — especially
when there was a big re-enforcement of his beliefs made from within the
Church of England and its bishops. I was horrified when I discovered that
the decision had been made so quickly. I felt there was a need for a bit
more debate to occur — it was passed too quickly.”
Bridie McGowan
“This debate seems to be one about power. Considering the revelations
made within the Catholic Church in the last 20 years — the stories
of abuse that have been told — I don’t feel that the Catholic
Church is in a situation to dictate who would or wouldn’t make good
parents. They should be building bridges and not breaking them. They need
to adhere with this ruling and respect the decision made.”
Patrick Cahillane
“Gay adoption is a contentious issue for all Catholics. But it
is an issue that needed to be sorted out sooner rather than later. Although
the Church is disappointed, sometimes groundbreaking decisions need to
be made in order for progress to occur. Not everybody likes change but
the Catholic Church clearly needed to be moved — or pushed in this
case — forward. So many children need adoptive parents now that
expanding the accepted criteria for adoptive parents can only be a good
thing and lead to more children coming out of temporary care.”
Marie Clucey
“Why are they forcing Catholic adoption agencies to work with gay
couples against their will? I am totally for gay adoption — but
why force such small agencies that work primarily with Catholics who,
in a majority, are heterosexual? The level of support needed for a child
going through an adoption — and all their family — is huge.
My parents adopted a seven-year-old child and the social services and
adoption agency were strongly involved, leaving a huge impact on the child.
If these agencies then are working reluctantly with people, this would
create a negative attitude and reflect on the child’s experience.
I believe if Catholic adoption agencies are forced to provide their services
to gay couples, they won’t provide the optimal level of service.”
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