Family Values Group Assails Adoption Ruling as 'Warped Prejudice'

A Florida family values group is blasting this week's circuit court decision allowing adoptions by homosexuals.

"This is a terrible, senselessblow againsthuman rights, social justice and the children in Florida's troubled foster-care system," said Anthony Verdugo, founder and executive director of the Christian Family Coalition.

CFC assailed the "warped prejudices" and "personal whims" of the three-judge panel that has, for now, overturned state law. The decision is certain to be appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.

Citing a 2001 ruling by U.S. District Judge Lawrence King, CFC stated:

"The decision to adopt a child is not a private decision but a public act. In the prior federal case, the court upheldthe law, finding that the Florida Legislature had 'a legitimate interest in encouraging a stable and nurturing environment for the education and socialization of its adopted children ... by seeking to place the children in homes that have both a mother and father.'

"Common sense and human history underscore the fact that children need a mother and a father."