Anger at 'cheap gimmick' of anti-gay adoption card

Adoption campaigners yesterday condemned as a "cheap gimmick" a new kidney donor-style card for parents opposed to gay adoption as research indicated a significant shift towards public support for new rights for same-sex couples.

Amid a growing row over moves to extend the eligibility criteria for adoption to include gay and lesbian couples and cohabiting heterosexual partners, to be debated today in the House of Lords, the British Association of Adoption and Fostering reacted furiously to the "adoption card" proposed by the Christian Institute.

The card, the same size as a donor card, is intended to be carried by parents and states: "In the event of my death I do not want my children to be adopted by homosexuals."

The controversy comes as peers prepare to vote today on amendments to the adoption and children bill, now at report stage in the Lords. One hardline challenge, led by Conservative peer Lady O'Cathain and due to be voted on tonight, would reverse proposals agreed by MPs to allow couples of whatever sex in long-term stable relationships to adopt children, on the basis that only married couples can provide the stability required by children leaving care.

The BAAF yesterday published Mori research showing public attitudes to adoption by gay and lesbian partners have shifted over the past 10 years. While a 1993 survey found 84% of people opposed same-sex adoption, the latest study shows only 36% disagreeing that gay couples should be allowed to adopt jointly, with 44% in favour and 20% undecided.

BAAF chief executive Felicity Collier said: "It would be a massive step backwards if the House of Lords now votes to prevent unmarried couples, including same sex couples, from adopting a child."