Gay Parenting and Marriage

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that the issues of parenting and marriage should be based on love, responsibility, morals and values. Parents are what start a family and are what keeps a family together. In particular, it argues that neither parenting nor marriage should be banned because of sexual preference and that the Bill of Rights contains an equal protection amendment. Denying marriage to a homosexual couple is no different than denying marriage to an interracial couple.

From the Paper:

"In "Reserve Marriage for Heterosexuals", the author Bruce Fein argues that ["Marriage is an institution between one man and one woman and same-sex couples aren't the optimum environment in which to raise children."] Just based on their sexuality, gay parents are seen as unfavorable. He feels that children of lesbian and gay parents do not grow up the "same" as children of heterosexual parents. The concern
usually revolves around the issue that the children will also grow up to become lesbian or gay themselves (105). In most cultures, children are raised to take on specific roles associated with their biological sex very early in life. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fein, B (1997). Reserve Marriage for Heterosexuals. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Falk, P. J. (1989). Lesbian mothers: Psychosocial assumptions in family law. American Psychologist, 44, 941-947.
• American Psychological Association. (1975). Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council of Representatives. American Psychologist, 30, 620-633.
• National Association of Social Workers. (1994). Policy statement on lesbian and gay issues. In Social work speaks: NASW policy statements (pp. 162-65). Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers.
• Martin, A. (1993). The lesbian and gay parenting handbook. New York: Harper Collins

More papers on Gay Parenting and Marriage:

• Persuasive Essay # 141786 : "The Ability for Gay Couples to Raise Children"
• Term Paper # 22463 : "Gay Families"
• Research Paper # 115358 : "Ignoring Gay Marriage Issues"

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