Dear Senator Jackson,
I understand that you have filed a bill (SB 1930) that would forbid “homosexuals” or anyone from the GLBT community from adopting children. You have also filed a bill (SB 1924) that would forbid gays, lesbians or anyone in the GLBT community from serving as foster parents.
This latter bill goes further in that it seeks to restrict the rights of exclusively heterosexual persons by forbidding them from serving as foster parents whenever there is a member of the GLBT community residing in the home.
I fear you have forgotten to address the subject of teens who identify as members of the GLBT community. If exclusively hetereosxual persons follow your biased lead and refuse to adopt or foster parent GLBT teens, and GLBT persons are forbidden to adopt or foster parent, what exactly do you intend to do to protect GLBT teens from the severe consequences of your discriminatory bills?
I notice that you did not cite studies or provide any evidence to support the rationale for your bills. Indeed you have not even provided a rationale. What specifically are your thoughts regarding the need for your legislation? If you assume that “homosexuals” are sexual predators, then surely you should make that explicit claim and attempt to provide some evidence.
In fact, social science research has firmly established that the population responsible for the vast majority of sexual abuse or pedophilia continues to be hetereosexual males. Perhaps you should write a new bill that bans adoption and foster parenting by heteroexual males. Granted this is absurd, but not so absurd as the aforementioned bills.
As a Tennessean, I am appalled at your attempt to write blantant discimination into the law. I fear your actions will subject the state of Tennessee to the ridicule and scorn of the world, as did the infamous actions of officials in Rhea County.
I am a long time supporter of the Democratic Party, but democrats such as yourself give me little reason to continue that support.
Sincerely,
