Letter used courtesy of the South Wales Evening Post

I have heard three arguments against gay adoption over the years, none of which holds any truth.

Firstly, that the children are some sort of trend or fashion item. No-one has shown this to be true or explained why it should be true of gay people and not heterosexual adoptive or natural parents.

Secondly, there is a fear of abuse. Again, why? The majority of abusers are from within 'normal' families. Sexual orientation does not equate with abuse; are all heterosexual males rapists?

Finally, there is a fear gay parents will turn their children gay. This is rubbish. If it were true, heterosexual parents would not have gay children. If we all look into our feelings and ask ourselves: "If I were told by my family and friends to have sexual relations with the gender I am not attracted to, could I?" how many of us could honestly say we could do so without feeling that it was not right for us.

This argument of encouraging a type of sexuality was used against the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools. The problem is really that some children are born gay, some straight, some gender dysphoric, some disabled and some bisexual. What we should be teaching is acceptance and understanding of diversity and common humanity.

Isn't the central question of adoption about what is in the best interests of the child? If it is a choice between constantly changing foster and care homes or a loving, stable family, the family must be better whichever form it takes. And if that family will accept and nurture the child, whatever his or her orientation, and make them feel valued and worthwhile, isn't that good parenting?

Mr Clegg