The Colorado Catholic Herald

Colorado Catholic Charities releases statement against proposed adoption bill
The Colorado Catholic Herald

On April 17, Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Denver released a joint statement opposing proposed House Bill 1330, which would essentially allow for any two adults to adopt a child. The bill has passed the third reading in the Senate and is nearing Gov. Bill Ritter's desk.

Having operated adoption agencies and been providers of programs that protect the best interest of the children of the state of Colorado for decades, the Catholic Charities agencies of Colorado wish to voice our objection to the passage of HB 1330. With the passing of the third reading of HB 1330 on the Senate floor last week, Colorado is on the fast track to placing political and life-style agendas before the welfare of children by rejecting careful crafting of logical and comprehensive adoption law. The legislature fails to recognize the intricacies of the adoption process by granting what is perceived to be civil rights for adults at the expense of protection of children. Catholic Charities of Denver and Colorado Springs are opposed to this bill and ask Governor Ritter to veto it.

Colorado has a strong record of child advocacy which is in jeopardy. If HB 1330 passes into law, it will place our great state at the bottom of all others with regard to children’s welfare. In education, Colorado already ranks below the national average in per pupil spending for K-12 funding. Do we really want to be ranked low on other welfare issues regarding children, too?

These important matters related to the safety and well-being of children were proposed in amendments but were pulled and left unaddressed in order to rush to appease the wishes of specific, deep-pocketed constituents. The final bill does not reflect sound, in-depth research, or expertise. In fact, adoption agencies throughout Colorado have spoken out almost unanimously against HB 1330 as placing children in more vulnerable situations, yet their well reasoned objections were ignored. HB 1330 sacrifices children, plain and simple.

Current Colorado adoption law provides for parental rights independent of marital status, making this legislation unnecessary. Our current law assures that licensed professional agencies and the courts play a key role in assuring the best interests of the child.

Again, we urge the Governor to firmly reject HB 1330, and refuse all like attempts until those who best understand the issues can participate in the process of introducing legislation which honors and protects the best interest of the children.