Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Kris Morley-Nikfar and I am a married gay man living in Fairfax County. My Husband and I have been married for over five years and we're ready to begin the process of building our family. However, it has come to our attention that the adoption laws in our state may prevent us from building the family we want so badly. We understand that the State of Virginia allows single gay individuals to adopt but does not allow gay couples to adopt jointly. Further, we understand that individual adoption organizations are allowed to discriminate against gay people in general when deciding whether or not to place a child. Learning this is extremely sadening to me and my husband. We are hard working, respectful, tax paying citizens and we shouldn't be discriminated against for who we are. I respect the rights of religious organizations but their rights end where mine begin and vice versa. My tax dollars should not be used to support any organization that does not serve all individuals equally. Decisions made regarding appropriate placements for children in need of homes should be based strictly on guiding principals established by reputable experts in child psychology, not based on the uninformed whims of religious or other organizations.
I was born and raised in Virginia. I went to college here and now I work for a local government here. These laws do not represent the Virginia that I know and love. If these laws do not change, my husband and I may be forced to relocate to Washington D.C. or Maryland. Commutes from either of those locations to my current job will be nearly impossible, ultimately forcing me to leave the state all together. That would surely be a loss to my employer and the child I could have potentially adopted in this state. Please don't let this happen to me. Virginia is my home, I love this state and I want to know I am respected and appreciated here. Please, please, please prohibit descrimation against gay people in Virginia adoption laws.
Sincerely,
Kris Morley-Nikfar