It is URGENT that you include protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the list of categories that protect people from discrimination. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of children that need loving homes that are denied them if you disquality GLBT people because of bias or belief in false information. The studies have been done. Children's sexual orientation and gender identity are not effected by their parents' identity. They do as well emotionally and intellectually in homes headed by GLBT people. They do less well when they are not in loving homes.

Remember that our constitution says that all men (people) are created equal. It is your job to ensure that adoption rules reflect that value and do what is best, supported by the literature, for the child.

Thank you for carefully and without bias and ignorance considering  this most important rule.

Rhonda Buckner, Arlington, VA