In Southwest Virginia especially, there are so many children that need loving homes. To deny a qualified citizen the privilege of fostering or adopting a needy child  based solely on disproven ideas regarding sexual orientation is morally wrong and civilly irresponsible. I personally know same-sex couples and gay individuals who have adopted and fostered children, and they have provided the highest degree of care, support, encouragement, and love for some of the most vulnerable children in our nation.

Don't let the ill-informed prejudices of a religious minority influence the very serious task of providing good homes for the Commonwealth's children. As a society, all citizens must be judged on their ability to be a good parent, not on what is a protected class in many states and most other industrialized nations.

Sincerely,

Duane Cregger