A UK-based charity has apologized for
calling critics of gay adoption “retarded homophobes,” reports
the Telegraph.
The British Association for Adoption
and Fostering (BAAF) published comments from a gay adopter advising
gay men and lesbians on adoption. The quote appeared in a pamphlet
titled Pink Guide to Adoption for Lesbians and Gay Men and
again on its Be My Parent website.
“Most importantly, don't worry about
society,” the anonymous quote reads. “Children need good parents
much more than retarded homophobes need an excuse to whinge, so don't
let your worries about society's reaction hinder your desire and
ability to give a child a loving caring home.”
Officials at BAAF quickly responded
after the Daily Mail howled and labeled the organization
“adoption Nazis.”
In a statement posted at the BAAF
website, David Holmes, chief executive of BAAF, apologized for the
quote.
“These words are not the views or
policy of BAAF,” Holmes said. “We deeply regret the use of the
word 'retarded' and apologise for any offense that it has caused.
The use of this word is unacceptable in any circumstance. The fact
that this was part of the quote that went to print was down to a
human error for which we apologise. We are correcting the error.”
But a BAAF spokeswoman stood by the
quote, saying: “It has now been removed from our website but we do
still stand by the sentiments behind it. It is strong language but
they are not our words, they are the words of the carer. It just
reflects the strength of their feeling against the homophobia in
society. This is how same-sex couples feel.”
The BAAF is Britain's largest adoption
charity and is funded by the government.