Fairfax Pride President Issues Statement Regarding Governor Bob McDonnell's Recognition of May 2013 as Foster Care Month
The President of Fairfax Pride released a statement today pointing out the discrepancy between Governor Bob McDonnell's statement proclaiming May 2013 as Foster Care Month in the Commonwealth, and the law signed by the Governor and enacted in July 2012 allowing agencies to prevent LGBT individuals from adopting.
Fairfax, VA, May 12, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Brian Reach, the President of Fairfax Pride, released the following statement today in response to Governor Bob McDonnell's recognition of May 2013 as Foster Care Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia:
"Today, Governor McDonnell announced that, in response to the 4,300 children and youth in foster care, May 2013 will be recognized as Foster Care Month in the Commonwealth. In his proclamation, Governor McDonnell urged 'all' citizens to offer their talents and energies on behalf of these young people.
"Very early in his term, Governor McDonnell issued an executive order removing sexual orientation from state workers' nondiscrimination protections. In 2012, he signed a bill that made Virginia the second state in the Nation to allow private adoption and foster care organizations to refuse LGBT people from these programs. There are tens of thousands of hard working, stable, law-abiding LGBT households in the Commonwealth of Virginia that are able to provide loving, safe and supportive forever homes for these young people. If it really is Foster Care Month here in the Commonwealth, why don't we start by ensuring that LGBT homes be regarded as eligible candidates?
"Fairfax Pride supports the Governor's proclamation, and hopes that he dedicates time during this symbolic month to educate himself and understand what the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Medical Association, and every other credible scientific organization agrees upon: that LGBT individuals are no less able or qualified to raise a child than heterosexuals.
"I could not think of a better way for the Governor to truly honor these children in the foster care system than to use his position to allow them a fair shot at a loving family and bright future."
Fairfax Pride exists in order to bring together the LGBT community of the greater Northern Virginia area, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington and Prince William Counties and its independent cities therein. Fairfax Pride is determined to build bridges within the LGBT community throughout the year, fostering solidarity through a celebration of diversity through various networking, social and outreach events, and also provides opportunities for its members to donate time to positive efforts like healthy lifestyle awareness, serving the needy, anti-bullying campaigns, and especially the fight for equality. Fairfax Pride is not only a celebration of LGBT culture within the community, but also an opportunity to share it with all of our neighbors in Northern Virginia.
"Today, Governor McDonnell announced that, in response to the 4,300 children and youth in foster care, May 2013 will be recognized as Foster Care Month in the Commonwealth. In his proclamation, Governor McDonnell urged 'all' citizens to offer their talents and energies on behalf of these young people.
"Very early in his term, Governor McDonnell issued an executive order removing sexual orientation from state workers' nondiscrimination protections. In 2012, he signed a bill that made Virginia the second state in the Nation to allow private adoption and foster care organizations to refuse LGBT people from these programs. There are tens of thousands of hard working, stable, law-abiding LGBT households in the Commonwealth of Virginia that are able to provide loving, safe and supportive forever homes for these young people. If it really is Foster Care Month here in the Commonwealth, why don't we start by ensuring that LGBT homes be regarded as eligible candidates?
"Fairfax Pride supports the Governor's proclamation, and hopes that he dedicates time during this symbolic month to educate himself and understand what the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Medical Association, and every other credible scientific organization agrees upon: that LGBT individuals are no less able or qualified to raise a child than heterosexuals.
"I could not think of a better way for the Governor to truly honor these children in the foster care system than to use his position to allow them a fair shot at a loving family and bright future."
Fairfax Pride exists in order to bring together the LGBT community of the greater Northern Virginia area, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington and Prince William Counties and its independent cities therein. Fairfax Pride is determined to build bridges within the LGBT community throughout the year, fostering solidarity through a celebration of diversity through various networking, social and outreach events, and also provides opportunities for its members to donate time to positive efforts like healthy lifestyle awareness, serving the needy, anti-bullying campaigns, and especially the fight for equality. Fairfax Pride is not only a celebration of LGBT culture within the community, but also an opportunity to share it with all of our neighbors in Northern Virginia.
Contact
Fairfax Pride
Brian Reach
703-307-7432
www.fairfaxpride.com
Brian Reach
703-307-7432
www.fairfaxpride.com
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