Elton John
A Ukrainian official has said that Elton John cannot adopt a 14 month old orphan from the country because at 62 he is ‘too old’ and anyway he isn’t married. Apparently the pop star’s civil partnership to David Furnish doesn’t count as homosexual unions are not recognised as marriage.
The Ukraine’s Family, Youth and Sports Minister Yuriy Pavlenko added that in any event Ukrainian law requires any prospective parent to be no more than 45 years older than the child.
Elton John said the HIV positive boy Lev had “stolen his heart”:
“David and I have always talked about adoption, David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said ‘no’ because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have, maybe it wouldn’t be fair for the child.”
“But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don’t know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David’s heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I’ve changed my mind today.”
The human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has expressed strong support for John’s desire to adopt Lev:
“It is laudable that Elton and David are considering giving this young boy a new chance in life. If it is not possible for the child to be adopted by a Ukrainian family in the Ukraine, it is better to give him a loving, stable home in the UK. Leaving him in an orphanage is not a good option,”
“Given that David and Elton are an internationally famous gay couple, adopting Lev could help break down ignorance and prejudice concerning gay adoption. They could become role model gay adoptive parents and help raise worldwide awareness about same-sex parenting.
“I hope this publicity will encourage more people - gay and straight - to consider adopting a child in need, or to support charities that help support parents who are struggling to cope with their children,”
Mothership Blog says: Tatchell is right. This high profile gay couple will raise awareness for gay adoption, children with HIV and give a better life for a sick little boy. Let’s hope a way can be found to overcome the homophobic Ukrainian adoption laws.
By staff writer
(c) Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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