Update: Elton John Changes His Mind About Fatherhood
Update: According to a Ukrainian family minister, 14-month-old Lev will not be going home with Elton John and David Furnish. People reports that Ukranian adoption laws prohibit same sex couples and unmarried couples from adopting, and also stipulate that adoptive parents be no more than 45 years older than the child. The longtime couple's only hope would be a presidential dispensation - were it granted, they would also be required to adopt Lev's brother.
David and Elton are pictured here with little Lev at a news conference held at the orphanage.
It sounds like singer Elton John has had a change of heart about fatherhood.
Earlier this year the Tiny Dancer singer and his longtime partner David Furnish said that kids weren't in their plans, with David telling People, “I don’t think our lives are suited to raising children. We’re busy flying places all the time. Elton is not really going to come off the road. We don’t want to put the raising of children into the hands of nannies and housekeepers. We want to be active parents. We have godchildren [and] kids that we support in Africa, so we’re fine."
However, Elton says he's changed his mind after a visit to the Ukraine with the AIDS Foundation this weekend, where he and David met a 14-month-old boy who was left an orphan after both his parents died of the disease.
"Having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him," E! quotes the 62-year-old Grammy-winner as saying. "I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I've changed my mind today."
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I can understand this change of heart. I volunteered at an African orphanage, cuddling the babies who simply played on the floor for most of the day. Two of those babies in particular have stayed in my heart and my mind for 6 years now. I really wonder how they are.
I hope they are able to adopt him.
I don't think they are serious about adopting the little boy but they would love to. They know their schedules are too busy. It's a shame but they're obviously thinking about their age too.
62 is way too old to adopt an infant. By the time the child is only 8 Elton will already be 70 and he's not particularly young for his age. It would also mean a change in lifestyle (less touring, performing, traveling, etc) and I don't know if Elton truly wants to do that.
Even though I'm not excited about the prospect of a 62-year-old rock star adopting an infant, this is still a much better option that growing up in such an orphanage. My cousin adopted a child from Russia and the stories I heard and what I saw from pictures... well, Lev would probably be lucky if Elton and David adopted him.
Elton is too old, unless they adopt an older child, this is not great. Well, at least that little one would have a home, but I'd rather see younger parents adopt him.
I'm with Sheila on this.
Solène, I understand what you mean, but seriously.. there are only few babies in an orphanage that are actually adopted, so I'd say see him adopted by a 62 year old man than not at all.
I think it's admirable that they want to rescue a child; however, they said themselves that their lifestyles and ages would be barriers to being good adoptive parents. I wonder if they'd consider sponsoring his adoption to a younger couple who can provide a stable environment for the boy....or something like that, where they could have visitation rights. It might be tricky or maybe not even possible, but maybe it could work. They seem to be acting on emotion and our emotions don't always lead us to make the best decisions. It does seem old to be adopting at 62...not really fair for the child. But what do I know :D
Yet another example of homophobic legislation. And to what gain? So an abandoned baby will stay abandoned?
Here's hoping Elton and David will use this platform to lobby for the rights of same sex couples, just as Rosie O'Donnell and her partner Kelly did when they attempted to adopt their foster daughter in the state of Florida (which also rejected them due to their sexual orientation).
Shameful!
I don't know that simply disagreeing with homosexual behaviour makes someone homophobic, but that's beside the point. I don't think the orphanage is anti-homosexual, but rather, pro-traditional family and here's why: they are not allowing everyone to adopt, except homosexual couples; they are also not allowing couples that are not married, and people that are over a certain age. We could accuse them of being ageist, or unmarried-o-phobes, but that seems silly and incorrect. They truly seem to be trying to provide a stable home for these children, and probably trying extra hard since these children have already gotten a lousy start to life. They likely believe that the best home is a traditional family. I could be wrong about the orphanage, but that's how I see it. *Disclaimer* I have not stated *MY* views on whether homosexual couples should be allowed to adopt or not. I have only defended the orphanage against being called names that they may or may not deserve. I hate to slander another's character when I can't possibly know all the facts.....which is usually most of the time :)
Mig, I think that is a wonderful idea! All children deserve a family, but a 62 year old father who is aging and is on the road all the time may not be the best choice. If he himself said he didn't want to adopt b/c of age and travel, it would be awesome if they could help fund the adoption. I know first hand how expensive the administrative costs are and that keeps a lot of couples from adopting b/c they don't have the extra money. Perhaps Elton could help this little boy find a home with a couple that would otherwise not be able to afford to cover the adoption costs. A sponsorship of sorts.
well said jenny...I agree 100%!
there are so many children in this world that grow up uncared for, unloved and alone...that is a crime why discriminate when they could have parents to love and raise them who is the law hurting...an innocent child...
I hope they do file and recieve a presidential dispensation and also adopt Lev's brother...
It's really too bad. I know Elton is 62 but David Furnish is only 47 so would have a lot more energy than Elton might. The baby is HIV positive too which will add to his liklihood of not being adopted. He will likely spend his entire childhood in that orphanage.
nice that the country will gladly take a gay couple's financial support but won't consider them for adoption.
i do agree that adopting in one's 60's poses some obvious concerns, but as some of you have noted, spending a little time with a father figure that can support you for life is probably better than being in an orphanage. also, David Furnish doesn't look like he's checking out anytime soon--the baby would have TWO fathers. if they were both in their 60's it would be much more of an issue.
i hope they get to adopt him :)
I didn't know the child had the disease, it's different to me then, maybe the poor little one won't live long so what if he's raised by two not-so-young persons? It's way better than staying in the orphanage because I don't think a lot of people are looking for adopting a child who is eventually going to die. So sad...
I think it's admirable that they want to do, I hope they are able to adopt him. Rent a car
Rent a car
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