I have to say that I think I have come across what might be the most stupid thing I have ever heard of in my life. A group in Arkansas has successfully been able to get enough signatures to add a measure on the ballot that would prohibit unmarried couples from adopting or becoming foster parents. What a bunch of righteous bulls#!t! They are doing this in part to stop gay people and lesbian people from adopting or becoming foster parents. Why oh why can’t people start eating their common sense for breakfast? This measure is idiotic for a NUMBER of reasons. Let me outline some of them for you.

First, if only married people can adopt or become foster parents you are immediately going to lessen the prospects for children that need/want to be adopted and that need good foster parents. Every married couple isn’t going to be willing to adopt a child, so that means fewer options for kids in need.

Second, many married families have been pushed to the limit with the downturn in the economy. Many of them can barely afford to take care of the kids they have, let alone adopt other kids. Again, lower income families that might want to help won’t be able to. Middle income families may not be able to as well and then the upper income families may just not want the added headache or responsibility of adding to their family. Again, this means that there will be fewer options for kids in need.

Third, is every married couple a happy couple? I’m not saying that marriage isn’t better for children, but we all know people who are married, but not happy. We all know people who would love to get away from the person they are with if they could afford to do so.

Do single people have more resources than people who are in a committed relationship where they are unmarried? If single people are allowed to adopt the question then becomes do single people have more resources than two people who are committed to each other yet remain unmarried?

Most single people date. So is it better to have a man and a woman living together in a long term relationship adopt a child or a single person who is looking for love still? Who can make that call about anyone else’s life without knowing them? I know single people who date very regularly who have children. I also know people who live together and love each other yet aren’t married. Which is better? Wouldn’t common sense tell us that it depends on the people involved in the relationship?

Are they going to legislate faithfulness too? If a husband cheats on a wife, shouldn’t that disqualify the family from adopting or being foster parents? If we are trying to do what is in the best interest of the child, then why stop with unmarried couples. Why not say that no one who is married and unhappy can adopt. Let’s also add that no one who is married and takes medication like Viagra or medication for depression can adopt. Let’s extend that and say that no one without a college degree who is also unmarried can adopt.

The bottom line is that this group isn’t looking out for what is in the best interest of the child. Instead, they are using children as pawns in their fight against lesbian and gay people. This crap needs to stop. I hope the people of Arkansas recognize this for what it is - an attack on people and not what is in the best interest of children.