Gay Couples and Adoption

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the controversial issue of same-sex couples adopting from several perspectives. Although the paper's position is that this practice should be allowed, other points of view are presented, and historical sources are given their due. The paper contends that gays and lesbians have been labeled deviant for too long by this country's legal system, which has denied them their rights as individuals in a way that is discriminatory and unreasonable within a structure that praises reason.

From the Paper:

"Social control, of which both labeling theory and the justice system are a part, is supposed to be about following a reasonable standard. In cases of unfair treatment levied against individuals because they are gay or lesbian, this reasonable standard is dropped and the issue becomes less one of discretion and more one of discrimination. Many states and institutions (localities, etc.) have progressive laws regarding discrimination along the lines of sexual orientation, but these territories are in the minority, and a federalized program is wanted that ensures that the practice of discrimination against gays and lesbians only because of their sexual orientation does not continue to be legally sanctioned by the government. In many states, gay couples enjoy domestic partnership rights that fall short of the rights given to married couples, but nonetheless represent progressive steps forward."

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• Persuasive Essay # 41585 : "Adoption and Homosexuality"

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