More than one third of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people believe their sexuality would prevent them fostering or adopting children, new research claims.
In a survey of 400 people by the charities Action for Children and New Family Social, 36 per cent said they thought LGBT people would have trouble adopting or fostering, and more than half (53 per cent) thought so in Scotland. A quarter said they had been told they should not become parents, sometimes by members of their own families.
The figures were released to mark the launch of LGBT Fostering and Adoption Week by New Family Social. The event, which runs until March 9, aims to dispel myths and raise awareness of the issue.
Jacob Tas of Action for Children said:
‘”Being a good parent has nothing to do with being gay or straight. Right now there are more than 6,000 children waiting to be adopted and an urgent need to find 8,600 foster families. We run fostering and adoption services and help children achieve their dreams of having families.”
Tor Docherty of New Family Social echoed his sentiments, saying: “If just one per cent of the LGBT community adopt or foster, this could plug the gap and ensure every child in the country has a loving home.”
