PRESS RELEASE

7 March 1999

Graham Capill
Party Leader

NZ FAMILY AND FOSTER CARE FEDERATION WRONG TO OPEN DOOR TO ‘LESBIAN FOSTERING’

Party Leader Graham Capill is disturbed by the NZ Family and Foster Care Federation’s decision to allow lesbian partners to foster children. Mr Capill asked, “What sort of morals will these poor children imbibe?

“Promoting the very concept of using lesbians as foster parents will undermine public confidence in such foster care organisations. How many natural parents would feel comfortable with the idea that their child or children might be raised by lesbians or homosexuals?

“That such partners can provide the necessities of life is not in question, but the real issue is the child’s best interests. NZ Family and Foster Care Federation seem more concerned about discrimination than the need for the best possible care for children.

“Clearly children need much more than food, clothing and shelter. They need care which includes social, emotional and spiritual direction. Above all, they need good role models.

“Same sex ‘couples’ are already breaching the bounds of what is morally acceptable by choosing such lifestyles. Adults consenting to such relationships is one thing; to raise children in such an environment is morally irresponsible,” Mr Capill stated.

Also of concern is the lack of stability in these relationships. “Children need stability especially after the trauma that some have been through before being fostered. De facto couples (including lesbians) are six times more likely to separate than heterosexual couples.

“It is not conducive to healthy relationships to deliberately raise children with the input of only one gender – something that does not happen frequently with separated heterosexual couples where both parents normally have access to the children.

“If fostering is necessary children deserve good role models and stable homes in that situation. Put aside being PC, NZ Family and Foster Care Federation, and give children what they deserve: the very best possible!” Mr Capill concluded.

Contact: Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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