Texas Lawmakers Aim to Prohibit Gay Foster Parents

Today's Progress Report tells the story:

The Texas State House "tentatively approved legislation that would prohibit homosexuals and bisexuals from becoming foster parents." The measure, which passed by a vote of 81-58, was added on to a fuller bill intended to "revamp the state's Child Protective Services agency." The amendment was introduced by conservative Rep. Robert Talton, who claimed, "It is our responsibility to make sure that we protect our most vulnerable children and I don't think we are doing that if we allow a foster parent that is homosexual or bisexual."

Though the bill that passed through the state Senate "does not include the ban on gay foster parents," final approval for the bill comes on Wednesday. The executive director of the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas responded to the prejudiced amendment by stating, "Mr. Talton has taken aim at the (gay and lesbian) community of Texas and thousands of children are now caught in the cross hairs."