Letter to the Editor - Boston Globe

This is an opinion letter from the Boston Globe concerning the initiative for joint custody that will appear on many Mass ballots. Although an affirmation of joint custody will not change the legislation, it will be used by politicians as an indication of where the public stands on this issue.

Boston.com

Show support of shared parenting with vote
October 28, 2004

I read with interest the Globe West article, ''Impact of ballot questions debated" [Oct. 21]. Thank you for giving this issue the weight it deserves. First, joint physical custody has been proven to be a deterrent to divorce, and, where it is in place, statistics show that more people work on maintaining their marriage. This is the most important factor to maintaining one household for children.

Second, when separation or divorce does occur, there is nothing in the Constitution of the United States nor the Bill of Rights nor the Holy Bible that the love of a father is no less important than that of a mother. What is in the best interest of children is a very subjective standard. All recent studies show that children benefit when both parents are involved in their lives.

For the sake of children, for the sake of fathers and mothers, I urge all voters to demonstate their support for shared parenting and vote yes on this nonbinding ballot intiative. A yes vote is in the best interest of children and families.

PETER G. HILL
Weston