Marriage for Same-Sex Couples and the Protection of Children

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Marriage for Same-Sex Couples and the Protection of Children 

 

In California and across the nation, gay and lesbian couples are raising healthy children in an atmosphere of love. These may be biological children, children of family members, or adopted or foster children who may not otherwise have the love of two parents. In many cases, same-sex couples take in children that no one else will care for – those who have been abandoned by our child welfare system, those who were born with HIV, or those who face challenging a disability.

 

Are Gays and Lesbians Fit to Be Parents?

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), comprised of more than 60,000 pediatricians across the country, passed a policy in 2002 in support of laws that allow a parent to adopt a same-sex partner’s child. The AAP’s position was based on evidence of children’s healthy development in families headed by loving, committed same-sex couples.

 

Research conducted by the AAP concluded that there is more similarity than difference in the parenting of heterosexual and lesbian and gay mothers and fathers:

 

• “Compared with heterosexual fathers, gay fathers have been described to adhere to stricter disciplinary guidelines, to place greater emphasis on guidance and the development of cognitive skills, and to be more involved in their children’s activities. Overall, there are more similarities than differences in the parenting styles and attitudes of gay and non-gay fathers.”

 

• “Lesbian mothers strongly endorse child-centered attitudes and commitment to their maternal roles and have been shown to be more concerned with providing male role models for their children than are divorced heterosexual mothers.”

 

According to the American Psychological Association, “not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents.” Teachers surveyed about their students’ development have noted equal levels of social competence among youth of same-sex partners and heterosexual couples.

 

Studies have found that children raised by two parents as opposed to one parent may have an advantage. Above all, however, children need to be nurtured in structured homes by parents and extended family that treat the children and each other with respect. Parenting potential is made up of many factors, including the key elements of self-esteem and self-acceptance.  

Are Children of Gay Parents More Likely to Be Gay?

By all indications, the sexual orientation of parents does not determine their ability to nurture young people nor does it determine the sexual orientation of their children. Studies have shown that young people raised by lesbian or gay parents are no more likely than those raised by heterosexual parents to develop same-sex attractions.