Gay adoptions.

I am most disturbed by the letters to the editor appearing in the August 15 News, bashing gay and lesbian adoption, and the decision of the Family Law Section Executive Council to support adoptions by gay and lesbian persons. The opinions expressed evidence the bigotry toward gay and lesbian persons that continues to pervade our profession and our state. It is simply astounding, in this age of enlightenment, that such intolerance continues to exist within the greater "brotherhood" of Florida lawyers.

It is apparent from these letters, however, that there is no "brotherhood" at all. Phrases, such as "the normal, usual definition of parents," "going in favor of gay adoption certainly does not improve the lawyer image," "potentially damaging to Florida's children," and "children who will suffer the consequences of being raised by gay parents," are terrifically judgmental and, frankly, downright shameful. These words do absolutely nothing to enhance or elevate our profession--from within or without. Thankfully, none of these persons are members of the Family Law Section Executive Council.

I wholeheartedly support the decision of the Family Law Section. Bravo. Legislative bigotry of any kind is intolerable in modern society. The greater good of all mankind is served by equality, tolerance, and respect. And that includes the right of gays and lesbians to adopt in this state.

Michael T. Sheridan

Orlando

I was disappointed to read recent letters in the News opposing the Family Law Section's vote to support gay adoptions. Contrary to the opinions expressed in those letters, adoption by gay and lesbian individuals is an issue of vital importance to the 3,500-plus children languishing in Florida's foster care system, waiting to be adopted.

The Family Law Section has merely joined the ranks of enlightened and unbiased professional groups, including the nation's oldest, largest, and most respected children's groups who strongly oppose Florida's ban on gay adoption: the Child Welfare League, and the North American Council on Adoptable Children. No mainstream health or child welfare group supports broadly restricting gay parenting and in fact these groups actively oppose such restrictions. The American Pediatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the NASW, and the American Psychiatric Association have issued policy statements uniformly supporting adoption by gay parents. As for the assertion that a bar association should not express an...