Don't sell out the children, keep on fighting!
Date: January 6, 1999

To the Editor,

Maybe we are too close to the issue of gay and lesbian adoption and custody rights, after all, we are the couple who fought the state of New Jersey for gays and lesbians to be treated equally in the matters of adoption. But why did we fight? Simple, it was in the best interest of our child and all of the children like him. For the moment, forget gay rights, forget biblical interpretations that differ from version to version let alone reader to reader, and think about the children.

We understand that sometimes progress must be taken in small gains but we draw the line when it is at the expense of children. When will you, that have been so passionate about fighting for equal rights in marriage have the strength and energy again to fight again for your children? Take it from us, it is hard to jump in the arena again and you have been fighting this battle for a long time. Sure the majority of single and coupled gays and lesbians may not have children right now but they are the same people that CAN make a big difference in a child's life.

In commenting about our victory in New Jersey, Tania Fernandez, Supervisor of the DYFS Adoption Services of Passaic County, NJ, stated that In watching the new wave of applicants, she noticed that homosexual couples are more accepting of those unwanted and older children, giving possibilities and hope especially to children over three or four years. Once a child is out of the toddler stage, the chances of adoption decrease substantially, but the new gay couples entering the program want the older children.

The gay and lesbian community is making a significant positive difference in the lives of children deemed unwanted or forgotten in New Jersey. Would Hawaii give this same chance up? By opening the pool of prospective parents up you will be giving the "lost" children of Hawaii a greater chance at living rich fulfilling lives with permanent families. Please don't sell out now. If you can't find it in you to continue fighting for your own future then look deeper and fight for the future of the children of Hawaii.

Good Luck and God Bless.

Jon and Michael Galluccio
Maywood, NJ
jon@galluccio.com
http://www.galluccio.com