I want to share this op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution with everyone who believes that gay adoption is a family issue, not a political one. Please re-post to Facebook, Tweet, or send to others if you like it. — Jenn

A week before the Republican gubernatorial primary, Karen Handel said gay parenting is not “in the best interest of the child.” When asked by an Atlanta TV reporter why she thought gay parents aren’t legitimate, Handel replied, “Because I don’t.” She went on to say she would outlaw gay adoptions.

As gay parents, we strongly disagree with Handel on the legitimacy of gay parenting. We also resent the way gay adoption was turned into a political circus as each of the Republican candidates felt obligated to prove their anti-gay credentials with voters in the final weeks of the general primary.

Beyond political calculations, there is a serious issue going on here. Twelve thousand children are in the Georgia foster care system. The state characterizes these kids as either “given up by their parents voluntarily” or “removed from their homes by the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.”

The sad thing is that there are plenty of prospective parents in Georgia who want to adopt, loving gay couples who are ready to open their hearts and homes. But the state frowns on qualified gays and lesbians adopting, so they sit on the sidelines.

In the end, adoption is about children and whether or not they will get permanent homes. If it were up to Handel, she would allow Georgia’s foster children to suffer.

The GOP candidate admitted in the interview she does not know any gay parents. It’s common to fear that which you do not know.

We invite her to dinner to meet us and our children, to get a glimpse into life as a gay family. If she cares enough about children waiting for homes she will say yes. She will say yes to experiencing a typical family meal, yes to witnessing love and yes to probably some spilled spaghetti on the floor.

One of us adopted a 5-month-old boy from Guatemala who needed a loving home. He found one.

And one of us has twin 8-year-old boys who are excelling both in school and Little League. They set and clear the dinner table and are beginning to remember their manners. They’re happy and productive boys.

But don’t believe us. The Child Welfare League of America, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association all endorse gay parenting.

CWLA states that preventing gay people from parenting, based solely on their sexual orientation, is not in the best interest of children.

These are the groups that should be making decisions — the child welfare experts. Not us. Not Karen Handel. Not gay rights advocates. Not politicians. The experts know what’s best for kids based on, among other things, decades of research.

A new 25-year study published in Pediatrics showed the children of lesbian parents were rated higher than their peers in social, academic and overall competence, and lower in aggressive behavior. Thirty years of research says the same thing — gay parents are good parents.

Like it or not, the one-dimensional Ozzie-and-Harriet family of the 1950s is out. The modern American family is in — complete with single moms raising kids, most moms working at least part time, millions of unwed couples living together and yes, one million gay families raising two million children.

While the family structure has changed over the decades, family values have not. We raise our children with a strong sense of what is right and wrong and to treat others with love and respect. They are our pride and joy.

So we would appreciate it if Handel and other politicians did not further vilify our families. She got personal. Now she should get to know the people of whom she speaks. We look forward to that dinner where she can see for herself we are like any other family.

Ken Manford of Decatur sits on the board of Family Equality Council, where Jennifer Chrisler serves as executive director.