On September 26th a seminar for journalists took place.
«Media coverage of the issues concerning adoption».

The seminar has been organized by the Institute of Regional Press with the support of Ministers’ Council of Northern Countries. It took place in Pushkin.

One and a half of an hour from two days has been given to the matter of the adoption by same gender families.
There were representatives (editors, editors in chief, correspondents) of many regional media.

After the presentation during which the fundamental provisions of the matters were explained and corresponding problems were defined, journalists were given an opportunity to join the open discussion. It is necessary to note that the participants were quite friendly, but very uninformed.

Journalists expressed themselves cautiously but it was obvious that most of the participants were unfamiliar with the theme. It served as the reason for the amusing statements: “Same gender female family should

take on bringing up girls and male ones should bring up boys. No, you’re wrong! On the contrary!”, “there is higher probability that the child will grow up gay”, etc. After the statement: “they will grow up gay” the biggest fear was bullying at school. Journalists are assured, the child from a same gender family will be cruelly beaten by schoolmates.

In general the discussion about the matter of adoption by same gender families (absence of legislative base and gay friendly schools for foster-parents, social vulnerability) has turned into a dispute about the principles of morals and general problems of our children’s upbringing. Nevertheless till this stage is passed and people have satisfied their spontaneous curiosity and the answers to simple questions have been received the further progress is impossible.

Thanks to IRP for raising the topic!