Outrage at BAAF language

By Cathy Reay

The use of the word ‘retarded’ in a state-run organisation’s publication is unacceptable, say campaigners.

“Retarded homophobes”, a phrase used in a new guide published by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), is highly offensive, campaigners said.

The quote, in a guide to adopting for homosexual couples, launched on Monday, was describing people that discriminate against homosexual parenthood.

It read: “Children need good parents much more than retarded homophobes need an excuse to whinge, so don't let your worries about society's reaction hinder your desire and ability to give a child a loving caring home.”

In a recent survey conducted by the BBC Ouch! website, “retard” was one of the top five offensive terms to use against disabled people.

Baroness (Jane) Campbell (pictured), member and former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s disability committee, said: “Nobody should be discriminated against on the grounds of their difference. It’s an unfortunate term to use. The person quoted had obviously been discriminated against and responded in anger.”

Disabled Labour MP Anne Begg said that the language used was “unacceptable”. She added: “I’m amazed it got to that stage, to the stage of sharing the guide with others, before it was noticed.”

A spokesman from the UK Disabled People’s Council said: “It’s a shame organisations that are researching current issues are not mindful of using correct terminology. It’s outdated, offensive and completely unacceptable.”

Ismail Kaji, a spokesman from learning disability charity, Mencap, 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 It is unacceptable and a disgrace that a state-funded agency is using such outdated discriminatory language.

"Having a learning disability means that I can have difficulty learning new things and communicating. It doesn't mean that I don't have feelings and don't understand offensive language."

A BAAF spokeswoman said: “We completely accept that it shouldn’t have been in the document and are currently investigating its removal so that it won’t be possible to buy the book in that format. We regret it got through, it was an oversight on our part.”