Forty-two per cent of gay people in East Anglia believe their sexuality is a barrier to them fostering or adopting children, according to research published by Action for Children and New Family Social.
A survey of 400 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) parents and people who are considering fostering and adoption in the UK also reveals that 27 per cent were told that they should not be a parent - often by their own family.
The findings mark the launch of New Family Social’s LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, which runs until the end of the week.
Jacob Tas, interim chief executive of Action for Children, said: “Being a good parent has nothing to do with being gay or straight.
“Right now there are more than 6,300 children in care in East Anglia. We run fostering and adoption services and help children achieve their dreams of having families.”
Tor Docherty, director of New Family Social said: “If just one per cent of the LGBT community adopt or foster, this could plug the gap and ensure every child in the country has a loving home.”
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