Abstract
The paper argues that the myth of the danger of gay adoption is propagated by elements of the religious right, which have introduced a host of complications and difficulties to the process, and have tried to ban gay adoption in some states, generally without success.

From the Paper
"A myth is abroad in the nation. The myth is that gay parents do not make suitable couples for adoption. During the 2004 election cycle, many states adopted measure prohibiting marriages between persons of the same sex. As part of that same anti-gay campaign, the opponents of rights for gays and lesbians raised a variety of claims about gays and lesbians being not merely unsuitable as potential adoptive parents, but entirely "immoral." (Scully; Dobson) Overwhelmingly, the opposition to adoption by gays and lesbians is based on religious arguments. This is shown by the reasons given for advocating..."

Tags:adoption, gay, myth

Abstract
This paper addresses various aspects of Arkansas House Bill 1119 which bans gay adoption. Some of the aspects discussed include the history of the Bill, the at risk population and the people whose interests are served by this legislation. The paper also discusses the status of the Bill at the time the paper was written, why continuing advocacy is needed and evaluates the advocacy efforts to date.

Tags:Arkansas, House bill, anti-gay, gay rights, foster care, adoption, cohabitation, discrimination, advocacy

Abstract
A review of various issues related to same-sex marriage and gay adoption from a personal perspective. The paper concludes in support of the legalization of adoption for same-sex couples, and either marriages or civil unions of same-sex partners.

From the Paper
"All available evidence suggests that same-sex marriage does not weaken the status of heterosexual marriage. Same-sex marriage has already been legalized in several European countries. In each such state, evidence suggests that that heterosexual marriage patterns have actually strengthened since the acceptance of gay marriage. In fact, Scandinavian children are more likely to be raised in a home with both of their biological parents than American children are. Professor Lee Badgett, a professor with the University of Massachusetts, has shown very convincingly that "there is no evidence that giving partnership rights to same-sex couples had any impact on heterosexual marriage in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands."

Tags:heterosexual, family, legal, protection, biological, sexual, orientation, discrimination

Abstract
This paper explains that the opponents of rights for gays and lesbians claim that gays and lesbians are not merely unsuitable as potential adoptive parents but also entirely immoral. The author underscores that, overwhelmingly, the opposition to adoption by gays and lesbians is based on religious arguments. The paper relates that, although opponents of homosexual adoption have long tried to make a case that a child raised by a homosexual couple is at greater risk than a child raised by "straight" parents, serious research to support this is virtually non-existent. The author stresses that there is overwhelming scientific support, from such authorities as the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, that gays are entirely suitable as adoptive parents.

From the Paper
"Despite these studies, there are bitter opponents of gay adoption, and it is notable that a tiny group of people remain dedicated to the idea that there is a "scientific" basis for opposition to gay adoption. One of the most credentialed opponents of gay adoption is Lynn Wardle, a professor of law at the Brigham Young University Law School. Wardle has been most vocal in custody disputes, in which he contends if a biological parent is found to be gay, this creates a rebuttable presumption that the parent is unfit and should therefore by denied custody."

Tags:religious, scientific, custody, development, research

Abstract
This paper discusses the Florida ban on gay adoption, as well as other legal and ethical aspects of same sex parenting. The paper explores the question of whether children brought up by gay parents are at a disadvantage in any way and uses professional research to back up the findings.

From the Paper
"Despite the number of laws passed or the numerous movies or television shows that support gay rights, the negative conations associated with same-sex parent adoption continue to taint both attitudes and laws. Society is still laden with negative biases against homosexual adoption, and against gays in general (Johnson, et al., 1995) which severely limits their rights as people and as parents."

Tags:donnell, homosexual, rosie, lesbian, American, Academy, of, Pediatrics

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.

From the Paper
"To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "

Tags:children, rights, parents, couples

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that not all individuals are allowed to fully exercise their freedom in the United States of America. Through the decades, increased freedom and equality have been established for women, African Americans, immigrants, children, and more recently homosexuals. The writer discusses that although the United States has grown tremendously from its original suppressive ways, complete equality has still not been achieved. An issue that is not often in the spotlight is gay and lesbian adoption of children. A clear lack of freedom is present for these individuals. The writer argues that finding and implementing a solution to satisfy this freedom will bring the United States of America a large step closer to full equality.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Context and Importance of the Problem
Policy Recommendations
Policy Implementation
References

From the Paper
"Fact is that the states forbidding the adoption of children to homosexual couples and individuals have no reason for the prohibition. Implementing a policy where all states would be required to allow gay and lesbian adoptions would be ideal, though not realistically feasible. Justification for the exclusion of gay and lesbian adoption should be mandatory for each state that decides to do so. With this idea, each state will continue to have its own freedom without being restricted to obey an overarching Federal law. If these states are set on their law of banning same-sex adoption of children, then just reasoning should be present. If no explanation is available, the validity of the law itself should absolutely be questioned. Preventing states from prohibiting same-sex adoptions is at the moment an unrealistic goal, especially considering the sizeable conflict and debate over the thought of homosexuality itself. I believe the states that completely rule out homosexual adoption and other who considers sexual orientation in the adoption process will have extreme difficulty in finding justification for their decision. The most common grounds for argument against homosexuality are based off of religious beliefs. With this is mind, it will be especially difficult to maintain a separation of church and state."

Tags:homosexuals, equality, children, gay

Abstract
This paper examines current policy regarding lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender(LGBT) citing that adoption is inconsistent and reflects the erratic nature of all policy related to LGBT issues. According to the paper, the standard for adoption is still the heterosexual model and the underlying principle to decide cases is the best interests of the child.The paper notes that policy is being advanced by LGBT groups on the basis of equality rights.

From the Paper
"Current policy regarding LGBT adoption is inconsistent and reflects the erratic nature of all policy related to LGBT issues. The standard for adoption is still the heterosexual model and the underlying principle to decide cases is the best interests of the child. Policy is being advanced by LGBT groups on the basis of equality rights. The strategy of equality rights is both beneficial and a source of major drawbacks. One uniform standard for adoption and custody needs to be developed which must be completely irrespective of the sexual orientation of the parents and that..."

Tags:adoption, policy, lgbt

Abstract
In this paper, the author looks at the issues arising from same sex couples adopting children. The paper explains the procedures involved in adopting and the screening process for prospective parents. The author then looks at same sex couples who want to adopt and the implications on a child's upbringing. The author specifically mentions a report by the Medical Institute of Sexual Health which states that "Significantly higher percentages of homosexual men and women abuse drugs, alcohol and tobacco than do heterosexuals." The author discusses how he believes that children have the right to grow up in a normal healthy family which, he believes, is made up of a mother and a father. In conclusion, the author offers his opinion that, although home is where the heart is, adoption should be about placing children in natural families and safe homes.

From the Paper
"In addition, the child has a right to have a natural family, and a mother and father. Due to divorce, this family deprivation has already hit America like no other war, disease, or problem before. Should this unnatural family life continue or be extended and even encouraged by homosexual couples adopting? Social researcher David Blankenhorn, author of Fatherless America, declared, "Fatherlessness is the 'engine driving' social pathologies such as crime, adolescent pregnancy, child sexual abuse, and violence against women." Research confirms that the domestic environment most favorable to the well being of children has both a mother and a father. (Gay Adoption)"

Tags:lesbian, gay, couple, sexual, couple, heterosexual, child, emotional

Abstract
The subject of same-sex marriages and same-sex adoption are very hot topics these days. The author of this paper argues that same-sex couples are just as qualified to be parents as are heterosexual couples when it comes to adopting children. The author argues that same-sex couples are looked upon as being different from the norm of society and they are being unjustly judged by their sexuality and not their ability to love and care for a child. Does sexuality determine if we are good enough to care for a child? The paper shows that same-sex couples have the ability to raise a child and to educate them as well as anybody else. If they have good jobs and are able to provide an excellent life for a child then why would they be considered unfit to be able to adopt children? This idea has been supported by some state legislatures as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics. The paper concludes that same sex-couples have just as much right to adopt children as anybody else.

Paper Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Literature
Implications of the Findings
Recommendations
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"It is widely felt that children who have two parents in the family, whatever their age, sex or relationship, do better than a child who has just one parent (4). The AAP's policy statement is consistent with positions on same-sex issues already adopted by APA and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Both organizations believe that there is no evidence to suggest that gay or lesbian parents are any better or worse when it comes to parenting skills. There is also not data that supports the conservatives' issue that children who are raised by homosexual parents are more unstable emotionally, or have more developmental problems than children raised in traditional heterosexual families."

Tags:gay, lesbian, AAP, discrimination