The Cardinal is being a hypocrite. Catholic adoption agencies
currently have no problem allowing SINGLE gay people (or straight people, for that matter) to adopt, nor do they have any problem in accepting taxpayer subsidies to perform this public role.
The actual question should always be: what is in the best interests of the children?
The evidence to date shows that the most important thing for children is to be raised in a caring, stable, loving environment, regardless of whether that comprises a traditional heterosexual household, gay household or living with single parents.
The ideal is a mother and a father: boys need a male role model just as girls need a female role model, however in the absence of a suitable supply of
ideal candidates to adopt older and often difficult children, the preference is for suitable parents of whatever category in preference to a child living in care. The latter has a seriously damaging impact upon the life chances of a child (and incidentally increases the risk of criminality).
My understanding of the law, in any event is, that gays can only adopt as a last resort, if suitable heterosexual parents or single parents are unavailable. And that is as it should be.
I personally used to agree with you Slim but have been told too often by those working in the field (professionals) that my conservative views on this are wrong

: care homes are not a preferable option to gay adoption if that is the ONLY option available. (Note: that's conservative with a
small 'c') :wink: