My father, along with countless others before him and sure to come after, was unfairly stripped of his rights as a parent. Despite a lack of evidence, he was accused of abuse and almost incarcerated, all while the real abuser, my mother, was able to retain custody of my sister and me just because she is a woman. Sadly, this is not an isolated issue. Fathers are increasingly being pushed away from their families by laws that favor mothers regardless of the evidence presented.

It is reported that in the U.S. alone, about 80% of custodial parents are mothers and fathers are left paying expensive child support, sometimes pushing them to a state of destitution. Moreover, the emotional toll leaves them vulnerable to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide (American Psychological Association, 2016). Men have been known to refrain from starting families for fear of losing their relationships with their children should things go south. This is a problem rooted deeply within societal bias, and a clear violation of gender equality.

The big question is why doesn't family court demand evidence? Mother's who gain custody of the children under the accusations that the father is abusive and/or a criminal are not required to provide evidence. Family court accepts the mother's conjecture and will commonly provide an excuse for the mother when timelines and stories do not add up. When the father provides evidence of the contrary family court rarely takes this into account.

More than anything, this petition is about our children. A child’s bond with their father is just as important as their bond with their mother, and by denying them that relationship we are causing untold harm. In many cases, children are left in the custody of abusive mothers simply because they are women. The court refuses to listen to these children when they say they are being abused by their mothers while their innocent fathers are left to fight for their rights.

We are calling for an amendment of laws in favor of equal parenting rights. It’s time we move towards a system that places the best interest of the child above all else and recognizes that being a man does not make one a lesser parent. No parent should be denied access to their child without clear, substantial evidence of abuse or neglect, and no child should be denied the right to be heard. Let’s correct this imbalance in our judiciary system; put the welfare of our children first and ensure that father’s rights are not infringed upon. Sign this petition – it’s a step towards justice for fathers, for children, for all families.