Rep. Chris Smith | Photo: Wikimedia/US Congress
A Republican lawmaker from New Jersey was caught on tape implying that children in orphanges are better off than being adopted by LGBTI people.
Representative Chris Smith made the remarks at Colts Neck High School on 29 May. He was at the school to address and discuss issues with student constituents.
The Washington Blade obtained the recording of his exchange last week.
It started with a student, Hannah Valdes, telling Smith about her gay older sister and how she wants to adopt one day. She then asks Smith his opinion about why LGBTI may be ‘less of a legitimate parent’.
Smith side-steps answering by saying: ‘The issue, legally, is moot at this point especially with the Supreme Court decision.’ He adds her sister is ‘legally able to adopt’.
Valdes presses, inquiring why Smith believes her sister shouldn’t be able to.
Smith responds: ‘You know, I do believe that there are many others who would like to adopt who can acquire a child.’
At this point in the conversation, another person chimed in, asking what makes these other people ‘more legitimate’ than Valdes’ sister.
‘Well, you know, in my opinion, a child needs every possibility of,’ Smith begins saying in the recording before cutting himself off.
Then he brings up orphanges.
‘Orphanges are still a possibility for some kids,’ he says. Right before the tape ends, another person starts to ask if Smith means he believes children are better off in orphanges than with LGBTI parents.
A clear bias?
Smith never states a clear opinion in the recording, though his voting history speaks for itself.
On LGBTI rights alone, he has voted for numerous bills against them.
In 2013, he voted to protect anti-same-sex marriage opinions as free speech. He also voted yes on a Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in 2004 and two years later wanted the Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.
In regards to adoption, he voted for a ban on gay adoptions in DC in 1999.
Studies, however, have shown LGBTI parents and household are just as happy and loving as straight ones, if not moreso.
A study in Australia found children brought up by LGBTI parents are generally ‘happier and healthier’. A more recent study in the US found LGBTI parents are just as good as straight parents.
GSN reached out to Smith’s office for further comment and clarification.
More from Gay Star News
Gay son reunites with birth dad after 35 years and finds out he’s also gay
These women publicly shamed two gay men for raising a child together
Gay dads petition against US bill that threatens adoption rights
