Abstract This paper uses research reports of varying quality to explore the arguments for and against gayparenting, which is a frequent subject in the U.S. courts. The author points out the positive arguments for gayparenting are: (1) Gayparents have superior parenting skills compared to heterosexual couples, (2) children of gayparents have healthier traits and qualities compared to children raised by heterosexual couples, and (3) gay couples have just as much right to care for children as any heterosexual couples do. The paper relates that the arguments against gayparenting are: (1) Children raised by gay couples will have sexual identity problems later on in life, (2) they are confined in an unstable household, and (3) they are at risk to being exposed to a dangerous diseases, such as AIDS.
From the Paper "Driving back from a family dinner at Ryan's, Amy recalls meeting Ryan's two homosexual Uncles and their recently adopted son. It had not been the first time Amy had ever met a homosexual, and she explained how she felt gay couples should not be allowed to care for children. Ryan on the other hand, disagrees with his girlfriend, because he believes that gay couples should be allowed to care for children. As they drive down the highway, the discussion grows into a debate, with both discussing their points of view in a friendly dispute."
Abstract The paper describes how homosexual-parent families are very much a part of society. The writer argues that there are many misconceptions about these families, but through examining professional literature and looking at the facts, those misconceptions are debunked. The writer proposes that gay and lesbian parents are no different from heterosexual parents in their commitment and ability to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. The writer concludes that accepting the presence of gay and lesbian parents and providing them with the rights and support they need will be a big step towards improving the well-being of these parents and the children that they raise.
From the Paper "The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize homosexuality as a mental disorder, and urge all mental health professionals to counter "the stigma of mental illness that had long been associated with homosexual orientation" (American Psychological Association 2005). Likewise, it has not been shown that gays become bad parents due to a lack of parenting skills or a lack of time. Because gender roles are not clear-cut in homosexual relationships, gays and lesbians are actually able to divide household and family labor relatively evenly, and report higher levels of domestic satisfaction (Johnson and O'Connor 2002)."
Abstract This paper takes a look at each of the psycho-social aspects of development in children and discusses whether these developmental aspects are negatively impacted when a child is raised by gay or lesbian parents. The paper concludes from the literature reviewed that children raised by homosexual parents develop emotionally, socially, and psychologically, in much the same way as children raised by heterosexual parents.
Children of Lesbian and GayParents Sexual Identity
Other Aspects of Personal Development
Social Relationships
Attitudes toward Gay and Lesbian Adoptions
From the Paper "In studies of children ranging in age from 5 to 14, results of projective testing and related interview procedures have revealed normal development of gender identity among children of lesbian mothers. More direct assessment techniques to assess gender identity have been used with the same result; all children in this study reported that they were happy with their gender, and that they had no wish to be a member of the opposite sex. There was no evidence in any of the studies of gender identity difficulties among children of lesbian mothers."
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 gayparents 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 relationships between straight and "new" parents and gay children undergo complex social and psychological processes that lie mostly beyond their immediate emotional and social controls. This paper examines those processes, relevant theories of explaining those processes, and the positions of straight parents and gay kids in the processes.
Abstract This paper explains that the number of children adopted by gay men and lesbian parents has increased as more state laws have relaxed the prohibition on these types of adoptions and as more social workers and agencies now are willing to accommodate and intervene for them. The author points out that this changing trend has lead to critical concerns about sexual orientation, the probability of molestation, teasing and harassment of the child, which have created a dilemma for the social workers between the need for adoptive families and the principles of his or her profession. The paper relates that research suggests that the adopted children of gay and lesbian parents develop normal or straight relationships with their peers and satisfying relationships with adults of both sexes; therefore, social workers should support this type of adoption as guided by their professional code of ethics.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of Adoption
Reasons for Accepting Adoption by Gay or Lesbian Parents Issues and Concerns
Conclusion
From the Paper "The revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s further influenced and modified adoption practices. These revolutions were the women's liberation, civil rights movement, sexual revolution, the adoptee's liberty movement, and the birth fathers' rights, birth control, legalized abortion and a dominant single parenthood culture. One consequence was that social workers were encouraged to adjust their role as educators for adoptive parents in helping them recognize and cope with raising adopted children as against raising natural children. Adoptive parents now demand more information on the child they take and whose future is entrusted to them."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversy surrounding two groups of people - gayparents and women who want to have an abortion. The paper discusses the arguments for and against the individual rights of the two groups and attempts to find the heart of the debate. The paper discusses why there is such controversy surrounding these groups.
Table of Contents:
GayParenting Woman's Rights and Abortion
From the Paper "In the light of the complexity of this issue, there can be very little if any compromise between two sides. Both sides have some valid points of view. The issue of abortion is related in many cases to gender rights and the rights of women over her reproduction. On the other hand, one cannot escape the fact that human life is at stake, no matter how one argues about when life actually begins. This point is also related to the issue of fundamental human rights. The right to life is basic and if this aspect is not respected, then other human rights become empty of meaning. Therefore, in the final analysis, there can be little conclusive reconciliation better these two extreme views on abortion. There can however be some areas of compromise where there are extenuating circumstances, such as rape or disease, and where the life of the mother may be in danger."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversy over whether children being raised in gay or lesbian families are being raised in healthy environments or not. It also discusses the questions of whether a child living in a gay or lesbian household will make the child homosexual. The paper examines the research that has been done on this topic and concludes that is limited and inconclusive.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is Family?
The Literature
The Research
My Research Design: Observation and Participation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Family Research Council claims to have statistical values by those with a Ph.D. However the data collected seems faulty and slanted towards the results they want. For example, a particular article claiming that homosexual behavior is linked directly to child sexual abuse, the numbers shown are directly correlated to only those who committed the offenses. There is absolutely no data of the number of same-sex couples who have children within their house and no abuse is reported. Granted there is absolutely no way to positively tell that abuse is taking place. But to assume that because a certain percentage of pedophiles are homosexuals, it's impossible to conclude as a scientific fact that all homosexuals are pedophiles."
Abstract 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. "
Abstract This paper presents a report on research carried out together with literature reviews on the subject of gay marriage. The paper also presents an analysis relating to the gay individual, political and societal factors, and finally the factors of illegality and the impact upon children of these gayparents. This study finds that the issue of gay marriage is a highly charged emotional and religious issue and that governance of marriage between gay individuals should merely be in the form of ensuring no discrimination exists toward these individuals either in their right to marry or in any other or different form of discrimination.
From the Paper "The issue of gay marriage has been viewed both historically and traditionally, to be non-existent and completely unacknowledged. This specifically includes aspects of marital rights and touches upon various other individual rights throughout the network of the impact that being gay and married has on the individual in society. It is the view of this writer that it is possible, and indeed likely, to discriminate against someone by failing to acknowledge them insofar as their right to choose their own marital partner. Gay marriage has been like the elephant in the room that no one wanted to talk about however, because the rights of the individual are at issue, the status assigned to gay marriage by economics and political factors should be the same status assigned to any other individual in the society with the same inherent rights."
Abstract An argumentative paper in favor of homosexual marriage. The paper discusses the ways that homosexuals have the same lifestyles as heterosexual couples, just with different focuses. It concludes that if they can marry, then they should also be allowed to be parents.
From the Paper "The Encarta MSN Dictionary online defines a Homosexual as, ?somebody attracted to the same sex: somebody who is sexually attracted to members of his or her own sex.? (2003) For years the homosexual community has been battling over their rights of marriage and parenting. Some heterosexual members of society are fighting against them in efforts to preserve their own way of life, keeping homosexuals from marrying and restricting them from parenting children. Encarta MSN Dictionary online defines Homophobia as, ?irrational hatred of homosexuality: irrational hatred, disapproval, or fear of homosexuality, homosexual men and lesbians and their culture." (2003) We should allow homosexuals to marry and raise children because other than sexual orientation, there are virtually no differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals."
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 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."
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult forcing gays to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families and even their lives. The author pouts out that, in 2005 in Canada, being gay is much more open with some politicians openly gay and a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. The paper relates that change was not freely bestowed on gays nor has it been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence.
From the Paper In 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult. Most people were forced to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations, for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families, and even their lives. In 2005 in Canada, we see much more openness. Even some politicians are openly gay, and there seems to be a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. How can we account for this massive change? This change was not freely bestowed on gays - it has not been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence."
