BAAF apologises for use of word ‘retarded’ in adoption guide

The British Association for Adoption and Fostering has apologised for the use of the word ‘retarded’ in an adoption guide for gay people after it sparked an angry response from Mencap.

The Pink Guide to Adoption, published this week, included a quote from a gay adopter which criticised “retarded homophobes” who were opposed to same sex adoption.

Baaf said the reference was the result of “human error“, and had been included in 100 advanced copies of the guide, which is designed to combat prejudice against adoption by same sex couples and encourage gay people to consider adoption.

It will be removed from the publication for its main print run.

‘Unacceptable in any circumstances’

Baaf chief executive David Holmes said: “We deeply regret the use of the word “retarded” and apologise for any offence that it has caused. The use of this word is unacceptable in any circumstances.”

The reference was dubbed “a disgrace” by Mencap, particularly given the fact that Baaf receives state funding from its local authority members.

‘Highly offensive’

Ismail Kaji, a Mencap spokesperson said:  “As someone with a learning disability I find the word retard highly offensive. It is unacceptable and a disgrace that a ‘state-funded’ agency is using such out-dated discriminatory language.”

• Read our blog on the Daily Mail’s coverage of this story.

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