Sydney bishop stands up for children in same-sex adoption debate

Bishop Julian Porteous, auxiliary bishop of the Sydney Archdiocese, has said Church opposition to same-sex couples being allowed adoption is based is "focused on the interests of the children involved in adoption".

"The current laws have shown that governments of all persuasions have acknowledged and supported the general proposition that a child's best interest is served when that child is raised by a mother and a father," he told the Catholic Weekly.

"There is a unique bond that exists between a child and a mother and a father. This bond has been intrinsically understood by all cultures."

"Adoption must provide an environment ordered to the well-being and healthy development of the child.

"Children must not be used by political pressure groups striving for recognition of same-sex unions.

"Adoption cannot be about satisfying adult desires to be a parent. Emphasis on notions of equality and adoption rights cannot be the basis for a 'right' of same-sex couples to adopt children," he said.

The State MP for Sydney, Clover Moore introduced a Private Member's bill - Adoption Amendment (Same Sex Couples) Bill 2010 - into the Legislative Assembly on June 24, and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally gave "in-principle support", saying MPs would be allowed a conscience vote on it.

The object of this Bill is to amend the Adoption Act 2000 to allow couples of the same sex to adopt children, said the report.

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