Abstract This paper addresses various aspects of Arkansas House Bill 1119 which bans gayadoption. 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 gayadoption 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."
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 In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gayadoption, 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. "
Abstract This paper discusses the Florida ban on gayadoption, 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."
Abstract The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.
Abstract This paper is a policy paper as to why GLBT adoption should take place. The author states that adoption by gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transsexuals, which should be a simple matter, is marked by discrimination in favor of straights. The paper explains that the single most effect reason for discrimination that had been used by the legal system is the principle 'the best interests of the child'."
From the Paper "A monolithic and highly distorted view of the family has been perpetrated by the mass media, which has completely obscured the emerging variations and alternatives to the conception of a traditional nuclear family. The context of gay and lesbian adoption has been one of bias and unfairness, haphazard and inconsistent policy, and of myths and assumptions informing policy rather than concrete evidence. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transsexuals regularly have encountered discrimination in the legal system, the child welfare system, and in their experiences with adoption agencies."
Abstract The paper discusses how for individuals who practice a homosexual lifestyle, the issue of gay rights looms large. Legislation passed in favor of or against gay rights has a real impact on the quality of their lives, i.e., spousal medical benefits, alimony-like support, being able to keep one's job or getting fired, the right to marry and the ability to adopt children. For the social and religious conservatives, the impact of the passing or the restricting of various gay rights is not as profound. They may be uncomfortable with having to recognize a marriage, for instance, between two males or two females, but gay rights legislation isn't going to profoundly affect the quality of their life.
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."
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)"
Abstract Despite seeming unrelated, the search by adoptees for their biological families and the revelation of a nonstandard sexual identity by gays and lesbians to their families actually involve similar psychological components and elucidate similar cultural stereotypes about kinship. In both circumstances, individuals risk discovering weaknesses within assumed American definitions of family. This essays discusses the difficulties encountered by adoptees and gays and lesbians in coming to terms with their nontraditional status. It emphasizes the role of gender and cultural assumptions by looking at the views of authors such as Judith Modell and Kath Weston.
From the Paper "Interestingly, both adoptees and gays and lesbians frequently rely on their mothers rather than their fathers for support. In Modell's research, adoptees searched more frequently for their biological mothers than for their biological fathers, and they often expected more support from their adoptive mothers than from their adoptive fathers (1998: 158-9, 165-6). ?"Mother" called up conventions about acting like a child to a parent? (Modell 1998: 166), showing the influence of traditionally assumed kinship ties felt by adoptees. Gays and lesbians also had assumptions about the roles their mothers would play in their coming out. Weston explains, "when people attempted to predict the outcome of disclosure, their judgments generally reflected cultural assumptions about gender, power, and specific categories of kinship relations" (1991: 52). As a result of these assumptions, many people felt that a mother's "feelings" would make her more understanding than a father's "reason" (1991: 53)."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of gay marriage. Specifically it discusses the sociological perspective that marriage is the union of two sexes, not just the union of two people. According to the paper, it is the union of two families, and the foundation for establishing kinship patterns and family names, passing on property and providing the optimal environment for raising children.
From the Paper "Many feel the acceptance of gay marriage is an extension of growing tolerance in our society, and a sign that society is becoming more liberal and more unified. However, not all of society accepts gay marriage, and this could be a sign there is a growing rift between two factions in society - the conservative and liberal. This could indicate that society is becoming less unified and more split over controversial issues such as the issue of gay marriage. As another writer notes, "Therefore, someone who moves off the sanctioned paths is doing something much more than just acting immorally; he is rejecting the goals of the society in which he lives" (Bidstrup). This threatens the foundation of society and society members, and of course, that is one reason many in society find the issue of gay marriage so troubling. Rather than showing society is becoming more unified, the issue shows society is becoming more fractioned and unstable."
A paper examining the issue of gay marriages and whether they should be legalized because not doing so would deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gay marriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gay marriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gay marriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in today's modern world, the issue of gay marriage has spawned a huge debate centering on whether or not gay couples should be legally allowed to become married. Those who oppose gay marriage contend that such an arrangement if made legal would destroy American society by changing the traditional family unit of a mother, father and children; others point out that gay marriage is not supported by the Christian religion. The writer discusses that in contrast, those who support gay marriage contend that such an arrangement between either two men or two women is factually not that different from traditional marriages and that all of the arguments against gay marriage are based on misinformation, rumor and outright lies by numerous national organizations seeking to make certain that gay marriage is never made legal nor recognized as a legitimate way of living. The writer concludes that it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent.
From the Paper "Not surprisingly, gay couples in today's America see this opposition to gay marriage as nothing less than an issue of civil rights. As outlined in the Bill of Rights, every American citizen is entitled to the same civil and legal protections regardless of race, national origin, religious beliefs and sexual gender. Thus, it is abundantly clear that gay marriage should be legal in the United States in the face of so much opposition which is mostly based on religious beliefs and unfounded cultural fears and phobias. For example, if the science of genetics does eventually determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that being gay is inborn, i.e. genetically predetermined, then what the Holy Bible says about homosexuality is hypocritical."
"In conclusion, it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent."
Abstract This paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment to protect gay rights is necessary in order to protect the diversity of the country. The paper argues that those who oppose gay rights are prejudiced and that their arguments against gay rights can be invalidated. The paper discusses why gay rights are important, why the arguments opposed to gay rights are wrong, and why people should care about gay rights.
From the Paper "America is a boldly hypocritical nation. We are "the land of the free" but actively prevent people from living lives free from discrimination, from persecution, and from the kind of hatred that drove people out of Europe. The Declaration of Independence, the legal and spiritual foundation upon which this nation is built, indicates that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Those rights are being infringed upon by the same people that claim to protect them. It appears that gays must revolt to carve those rights out of the nation. African-Americans have been freed from slavery, women have been granted suffrage, racial discrimination laws have been passed, and the fight for gender equality in the workplace has begun. As each new triumph occurs other challenges present themselves."
