Heterosexual parents do not guarantee a
Elizabeth Schlemm
senior
In my four years as a student at Notre Dame, I have never felt compelled to write to The Observer until I finished Charles Rice's Viewpoint column Tuesday.
Rice writes, quoting and supporting a document sent to bishops by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, "It is not unjust discrimination to take sexual orientation into account in the placement of children for adoption." He also quotes John Paul II as saying that it is "dangerous" and "children suffer great harm" when being raised by same-sex parents.
I cannot ignore the fact that ignorance and prejudice of single-minded people would not be a challenge for such children and their parents. However, how can you deny a child the comfort and support from two loving parents, no matter what their gender? So many of us "suffer great harm" from being raised in a "dangerous," unhealthy, abusive and dysfunctional "true family." This is an acceptable environment in which to raise children only because one parent is male and one is female? If this is the truth "Notre Dame students are entitled to," I think it is safe to say the world looks somewhat bleak.
Like Rice, I am Catholic. However, I choose to share my faith by attempting to live as Christ lived to the best of my abilities. This includes forgiving, accepting and loving my neighbors, friends and enemies regardless of their race, religion or even sexual orientation. We are all human beings, and we all deserve respect and happiness.
Elizabeth Schlemm
senior
Walsh Hall
Feb. 26, 2002
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, February 28, 2002
