We’ve discussed this on Madonna’s first and second adoptions. And many articles today starting with the lines “move over Madonna and Angelina Jolie…”
The latest to spark the celebrity adoption debate is Sir Elton John who has announced his plans to adopt a 14-month-old boy from Ukraine. On a trip with his AIDS Foundation to an orphanage in Eastern Europe the multi platinum selling musician said that baby Lev has stolen his heart.
EveryChild, an international children’s charity, said it was concerned by the singer’s announcement. The organisation argued that the singer’s action could mean that more children might be left in children’s homes as a result of another celebrity adoption.
Do you think this is a fair point, that many mothers would abandon their babies in the hope that they might be picked up by the likes of Madonna and Angelina Jolie? Or is it a real (however, rare) chance for a child to a heave a chance a better life?
This blogger thinks that it’s the media’s fault for shedding a negative light on celebrity adoptions:
“Theoretically it should be a good thing – individually these institutionalized children get a chance at a better life, and potentially the publicity could shine the spotlight on the millions of orphaned children throughout the world languishing in institutions and/or poverty. Children for whom there could be plenty of willing adoptive parents, if only the systems internationally didn’t make the process so difficult. But the stories never seem to have that effect – rather the spotlight is on the celebrity, and the whole tone of the reporting is rather controversial and negative.”
However the blogger takes issue with Sir, Elton’s age, saying that by the time the child is 20 the singer will be in his 80’s. But a response on the Huffington Post dismisses this being an issue:
“Oh for crying out loud. Too old? There are thousands of over 60 fathers in this country – should we check ID’s at the hospitals and make ’em all give up their babies? Somebody call Dave Letterman up and tell him he’s got to put Harry in an orphanage, would you? How about all the grandmas who are raising babies due to the death or absence of their birth parents? How about the over-60 stepdads?…”
Sir Elton may also be facing a ban for his sexuality. He and his partner David Furnish face a legal battle adoption plans because Ukraine bans gay couples from doing so.
So with issues about his celebrity status, age and sexuality, should Elton John be allowed to adopt?
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Sir Eton John should not be allowed to adopt a child. He should rather be persuaded to donate part of his huge fortune to ophanages.People who prefer to be Homosexuals should not adopt human babies afterall babies are not manufactured in labs.
It is fine with me. I think however that he should have adopted the lad before letting the world know about it. This early publicity just gives all the homophobes time to work themselves into a lather trying to prevent Sir Elton from securing the adoption.
He is to old!
I think that Elton John should be allowed to adopt……
=Dennis Junior=
HAS HE BEEN STRUCK BY THE GREAT LIGHT?
An orphan requires an ideal home with mom and dad in odder to achieve emotional stability and security.
In my mind, I highly doubt that Sir Elton’s environment is the right setting for that child. The kid will likely be subjected to sexual bias through association at a time when its mind cannot be said it is old enough to deal with such controversial issues. He can help by sponsoring the kid’s needs such as schooling and welfare aspects of this kids who has ‘stolen’ his heart or engage the services of another care giver.
He is obviously coming to terms with what might be lacking in the gay-life after meeting that child. Its a kind of a fallout and he should come clean about it though his philanthropic aspect is appreciated.
Re: So with issues about his celebrity status, age and sexuality, should Elton John be allowed to adopt?
If Elton John wanted to adopt; why didn’t he adopt a child when he was younger? Why didn’t he chose a child from Britain that needs a good home or are there not any that are in need there?
Children are not toys to be “bought” because you “want” them. They aren’t an accessory.
No; he shouldn’t be allowed to adopt this child.
I wonder if this is a political stunt.
Why are these things so publicized? Isn’t the law for adoptions to be private and records to be sealed. As far as being allowed to adopt, I think he should be allowed to adopt. I’m sure the child would concur. I think sometimes people confuse homosexuality with pedophilia. Yes, he is old, but there are a lot of people raised by their grandparents none the worse for it.
With the above reply to ignorant homophobia, I need to add that I am against adopting children outside of your own country. Charity starts at home, and every country in the world has extremly needy children. Some say that those in “3rd world” countries have less opportunities than their industrialized counterparts, but that’s being both naive and short sighted. Take America, for example. If we stopped all foreign aid and adopotions, we would instantly have enough money to clothe, feed, educate and support every child in this country. In only one generation, we’d have a society of producers who could then help the world out. Imagine if every industrialized, “wealthy” nation did this for even one year. The world would benefit in every corner.
Sir Elton has the right to ask if he may adopt. He probably should have laid suitable groundwork before announcing his intentions. However, even talented, wealthy, gay people may act unwisely. These things do not automatically disqualify him from being a perfectly adequate parent. Every father starts as a rank amateur.
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Absolutely. If he can provide a loving safe environment for a child who would otherwise have a very bleak life, then his status, sexual orientaion or age should have nothing to do with it. I’m sure he is capable of providing continuing care for the child should he pass away before the child is grown up (sorry to talk of your demise Mr Elron John – have a long and happy life)
Is it possible only by the rich celebrities in their sixties who are gays and not by poor indians who are married straight ,or is he opening flood gates for world’s poor and old to adopt as well.Only time will tell.But who won’t be melted by the change of heart by a courageous singer who had the heart to sing English Rose at Diana’s funeral but the late Pavaroti could not get over his emotions to sing for her.Good luck sir Elton John.
If homosexuals want children, then let them do what normal people do, procreate. Children should not become trophies for homosexuals, or rich spoiled celebrities.
If Elton John really cares for the plight of orphans in third world countries, then let him donate of his vast wealth to them.
Ghosts in the machine – that should have said Mr Elton John!
I think he has a far greater chance of adopting than would a single, young male would. I think the single young male would automatically come under a suspect radar. I don’t think this has anything to do with him being a homosexual, as straight males aren’t really allowed to adopt unless they are married.
This strikes me as an attention grab on his part. If he wants a young companion in his life at this point, why not just adopt a dog?
Ah the homophobia. Really lovely to witness.
Once again, why would anyone think any aspect of status should change anything.
@ NSC
It’s not a homophobia issue, it’s a male issue. Men are given a very hard time when adopting because they are presumed to be pedophiles. It’s one of the reasons you see VERY few male grade school teachers, because they are automatically suspect.
Yes, Elton John should be allowed to adopt. I agree he might be a bit old, but I suspect he doesn’t have to contend with household chores draining all his energy. How wonderful for a child to have such a creative, artistic man for a parent. I hope Elton succeeds in securing an adoption.
Should he be able to? Sure, as long as he isn’t stepping in front of someone else in line.
But I also think of this the same way I do of philanthropy in general – the ones I admire are those who donate anonymously. Elton John would get a lot more respect from me if he were quietly using his enormous resources to promote the adoption of local handicapped children and helping others who are trying to adopt but don’t have his money.
Elton John just got shot down on adopting the child because he is single and 62. So the child goes without due to politics. But at least homophobic bloggers get a chance to be ugly again today. Condolences to Sir Elton.
I am glad that the Ukrainian Family minister has agreed not to allow Elton John to adopt a boy. We seem to have forgotten in the passing of time, that Mr. Elton John was refused a knighthood in the early eighties for being suspected of going with rent boys. Instead of using his money to set these boys on the right path, he used them. He should never have been knighted after this but sadly as a British public we seem to have very short memories. I on the other hand do not. The Ukrainian government should be applauded for their stance on this issue and in my mind have made the correct decision and most importantly must stick to it.
Elton John is not above the laws of any country. If it precludes him from adopting that’s just the way it is.
I’m not homophobic, but a child needs a mother and a father. (get ready for the stom!)
What rubbish people talk! I’m gay, and all the gay people I know had straight parents. Didn’t make us straight. Would have rather have had loving gay parents than the disfunctional straight ones I did have. What counts in a family is love, respect, and leaving children the space to be themselves, not to try and make mini versions of oneself, no?
According to News Organisations…The Ukraine Government has rejected the entire idea of Elton John idea regarding that adoption…It is simply horrible and unacceptable….
=Dennis Junior=
It is between the one who wants to adopt and the parents of the child. Don’t we already have too much control of our freedom in the name of, Democrazy’?
But, the reasons behind the decision seem a tad bit harsh…And, the rationale is simply insane; If this adoption, this kid would have a home outside of Ukraine and saves the country money!
=Dennis Junior=
Elton John has many advantages that most parents don’t, wealth, life experience, political power form his celebrity, a stable committed partnership.
The disadvantage I see is his age, but I think all the rest can override that.
So I think , yes, he ought to be allowed to adopt.
Elton John should not reduce the chances of that child to a normal life. better to sponsor the child than what? Adopt?
how does he think that baby was born? from a same sex relationship?
he is too respected to have reduced his choices to something so controversial as to spark a debate.
Elton let that child be!
however, he’s welcome to send his millions to help support the child!!!
Sir Elton John should not be allowed to adopt. In Kenya, if you are a single male, you cannot adopt a girl child for obvious reasons. If you are a single lady, you cannot adopt a boy. I am considering adopting a child now in Kenya (I am a Kenyan) and I respect these rules. I understand that adopted children can be abused by their adopters.
Elton John should be treated like evrybody else. He is openly declared homosexual and wants to adopt a boy!
We’ve heard it all now. From ‘ a child needs a mother and a father’ to ‘single women are not allowed to adopt male child in Kenya, for obvious reasons.’ Many single people successfully bring up children after a partner’s death, divorce, even rape victims left pregnant. And not all single people are pedophiles. Maybe some of the people who systematically see the worst in others should not be too surprized that the world’s in such a poor state.