...LGBT Adoption New Jersey’s statewide parenting legislation espouses a progressive stance on the matters of same-sex parenting and child care in the processes of adoption and foster parenting. The Garden State allows for same-sex adoption; allows single homosexuals to adopt; and allows second parent same-sex adoption (Lifelong Adoptions, 2013). New Jersey has passed progressive laws and policies that prohibit discrimination charged against LGBT individuals in the adoption process (Lifelong Adoptions, 2013). New Jersey state law also bans discrimination against LGBT individuals in the foster parent process (Lifelong Adoptions, 2013). New Jersey Statutes Annotated 9:3-43 enables for any person to adopt permitted the said person(s) pass a background investigation and meet adoption criteria for eligibility (Onelce, 2012). Unmarried joint adoptive parents petitioning to adopt a child can do so because of N.J.S.A. 9:3-43 (Onelce, 2012). In “Re-adoption of Two Children” by H.N.R., 666 A.2d 535 (Onelce, 2012) addresses second parent adoption; this statute exercises the possibility for an individual to petition for shared rights of custody with a parent who already possesses legal parental custody of a child. Several states prohibit joint adoption due to unmarried status. This statute is favorable for unmarried parents seeking to adopt in New Jersey. This New Jersey statute provides for an overall tolerant atmosphere for LGBT individuals and couples looking to adopt or become foster...
Words: 3067 - Pages: 13
...enough same-sex couples or straight individuals who are qualified and willing to adopt the many children that currently reside within the foster care system. Many can not support these children, they have biological children of their own, or they simply do not want children at this point in life. The final result remains, an alarming number of unwanted children in need of stability and unconditional love. There is a solution to this devastating issue. There is a rising amount of openly gay couples and some of them would love nothing more than to have a family of their own, but it is still illegal for homosexual couples to adopt children in some states and these state governments continue to make this process difficult for all involved. Throughout the United States, and in other countries as well, there are kids awaiting a forever family and eager...
Words: 1604 - Pages: 7
...Running Head: GAY AND LESBIAN ADOPTION Gay and Lesbian Adoption Argumentative Emily Stroud Everest University Abstract Lesbian and gay adoption has been widely controversial across the globe. This social issue is tremendously discussed by religious, political and social groups which have been providing numerous statistics, figures and major researches on the effects of same sex couples to the mental and emotional growth of children. At the inception of the 21st century, many countries have shifted and adjusted to different kind of perspective. Many government leaders have actually allowed same sex marriages as well gay and lesbian adoption. This paper aims to provide the readers some facts and research studies concerning the impact of same sex couples to the upbringing of their adopted children. This paper intends to open the minds of the audience concerning both sides of the issue. The paper does not provide any preference or does not promote any viewpoint relating to religious teaching or significant educational research. The information regarding same sex adoption is presented below and depends on one’s perspective whether or not to consider it acceptable on your standards and morals. Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adoption or same sex adoption has been considered legal during the inception of the 21st century. There...
Words: 2087 - Pages: 9
...Gay adoption is the adoption of children by same sex couples. Based on this topic, I’d like to look into the question “Are children adopted by gay parents more likely to have the psychological problem?” And the thesis I stated is that gay couples are able to provide a warm and normal environment for adopted children to grow up. I want to focus on this topic from the current situation of gay adoption, gay couples are capable of raising children and children adopted by gay parents are the same as those who born in heterosexual families. Nowadays, the homosexual people are coming into public view and are accepted by more and more people. It has attracted much concern to improve and protect their rights, such as the Gay-Right Movement which refers...
Words: 1830 - Pages: 8
...Mike Thiesing Writing Workshop December 1, 2011 Gay Adoption in America How could this be fair? Same sex couples have been struggling to gain rights to adopt. Some have been successful, while others have not. But the question is not how just this issue is to the couple, but how fair it is to the child being adopted. The answer to this question is that it is not fair at all to the child who is adopted by a gay couple. Today, many same sex couples are fighting for the right to be able to adopt a child of their own without any restrictions. There are many people who are for this, but who are equally countered by many people against the issue. So the real question is, should gay couples be able to adopt children? Same sex adoption should not be allowed considering the effects, both physically and psychologically, that it will have on the child adopted. It is often believed that opposite sex relatives and friends can stand in as role models for the children so they can have both a mother and father. However, this is not an affective way of raising a child. According to “The Week” in their article about gay adoption rights, a child must have both a father and mother to have proper role models. An outside role model such as a family friend or relative is not the same as having a mother and father at home. This article also says that fewer male teachers are available as role models, so children of lesbian couples may find it more difficult to find this role model they need...
Words: 1008 - Pages: 5
...discusses and defends the argument that same-sex couples should be granted the right to adopt. Although every state in the United States has recently passed laws allowing these types of adoption to take place, many people still oppose and protest against it. As this controversial topic grows even more evident, it's important for people to realize the facts and statistics of homosexual couples adopting in order for them to consciously pick a side to agree with. This paper will present you with three valid reasons on why these parents should be treated equally, along with details to support them. Keywords: adoption, homosexual couples, human rights Adoption Rights for Same-Sex Couples To quote Anne Hathaway, “Love is a human experience, not a political statement.” Why then, is love often restricted by the laws of a state or...
Words: 1579 - Pages: 7
...ago” (Haggerty & Lewis). Same sex marriage has been a hot topic in the United States for a very long time. This issue is highly important because marriage is a human right and it a basic moral that all should know. Many people are against gay marriage because according to many right wing conservatives being gay is a choice and that it is against what we learn from the bible. Same sex marriage should be legalized in every state in the United States because it is a basic human right, it shows family values and anti- discrimination, will increase children adoption rates and same sex marriage will also bring financial benefits. Gay marriage should be legal in the United States because it is a basic human right. Although conservatives will continue to debate the issues of gay rights and same sex marriages for years to come, there has been many improvements. Many individuals that oppose gay marriage will “come to understand the fundamental injustice of subjecting gay and lesbian Americans to their own form of Jim Crow rather than sharing in equal rights for all” (Lampo). There is no different from what this nation did to African Americans during the Civil rights movement, to what we are doing to same-sex couples today, not allowing them to get marries. Recognized federal civil rights law in the United States is grounded in the U.S. Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court. By this standard, marriage has long been established as a civil right. The operative constitutional...
Words: 2291 - Pages: 10
...Same-Sex Marriage and Its Affect on Society April 9, 2011 Same-Sex Marriage and Its Affect on Society Gay marriage is a highly controversial topic that has caused violence, tears, confusion, debate, and unhappiness, and action towards the gay equality movement. The United States stresses how everyone is equal and everyone has the same rights, but if that were true, why are gays and lesbians not allowed to get married. In the recent years, the concept of same-sex marriage has become quite the controversial issue. Many lawsuits, law amendments, and debates of occurred because of this issue. It has not only caused pain to those who are affected by these laws, but it has caused hatred for both those who are affected and those who believe that same-sex marriage should not happen. There are many benefits to same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage decreases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the gay community, increases adoptions, and is all about love; therefore same-sex marriages should be legalized. Gays and lesbians have been fighting hard for equality for many years now. Before the fight for same-sex marriage came about, discrimination against homosexuals was the current war that is still in process. In its earlier years, being gay was unacceptable. People had to hide who they truly were in order to avoid being beaten or bullied. During and after the wild 1960s, a lot of people were sleeping with multiple partners and even groups. This led to gays and lesbians...
Words: 3027 - Pages: 13
...subjects of our era, same-sex parenting continues to be a reason of debate and discrepancy in several first world countries, even in those where same-sex couples are allowed to get married. It is logical for most people to be reluctant to accept that gay couples can adopt. Experts have demonstrated the importance of the maternal and paternal roles in childhood, which determine the child’s performance in school and their ability to fit in society. Having a completely different family structure could be confusing and ultimately result in irreparable psychological stress for the adopted kid. However, studies show that most arguments against gay and lesbian adopting rights are obsolete and irrationally conservative. There is a constantly increasing number of children that desperately need a loving home because their biological parents cannot rear them, and there are also countless same-sex couples willing to provide those unwanted children with all the love and stability that they deserve. The argument that growing up with gay or lesbian adoptive parents traumatizes children is a myth, and the most recent family studies corroborate this fact. It is important to first understand why same-sex couples wish to adopt. As opposed to most heterosexual couples-which consider adoption only after trying fertility treatments of all kinds- most homosexual couples see adoption as their first and only choice for parenting. (Jennings et al., 2014) Gay and lesbian couples are generally less attached...
Words: 1016 - Pages: 5
...prevalent. Everyday more and more people are accepting gays and are starting to allow gay marriage. What about gay marriage and adoption? This is a topic that is becoming more prevalent than ever. I didn’t want to speak solely on gay marriage but gay marriage and adoption. I intend to inform you on the benefits and concerns that arrive from two people of the same sex who chose to adopt. In our text we discussed individual rights and responsibility. Is this a right, that two people can raise a child together or is this wrong? What would ethical theories suggest? These are the questions that I would like to answer for you as I intend on informing you the pros and cons of a gay marriage when adopting. Many gay and lesbian people are choosing to become parents through adoption; here are some reasons why they shouldn’t. One argument against gay or lesbian adoption is they cannot provide a good life for the child because of the discrimination the child might face. Some argue that children of gay and lesbian parents will be subject to harassment and ridicule. Parents are the most influential role model in his or her child’s life. Being raised by gay or lesbian parents will no doubt make it more likely for the child to choose to be gay. Parents are the ones who shape the child’s beliefs on what is right and wrong. Some might argue that same sex couples cannot reproduce naturally so therefore, it is wrong for them to even be together, much less adopting children. Another argument...
Words: 1572 - Pages: 7
...HEAD: SAME SEX ADOPTION-AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Same Sex Adoption- An Ethical Dilemma The topic of homosexual equality is a very controversial one for many people; from legalizing gay marriage to inequality in the workplace. Homosexual adoption is another issue that is overlooked by many. The view of a happy and healthy family in the United States has always been looked at as a traditional mother, father, 2.5 kids a dog and a goldfish and that the child’s wellbeing is determined by having a good, strong mother and a father to teach and guide their children to be the best they can be. However, what about the opposite? Many same-sex couples are ready and willing to adopt and have a family of their own, but many states have laws in place that ban same-sex couples from being able to adopt. This ban on same-sex adoption leaves thousands of children without families in the foster care system or in unstable households where they will never reach their full potential. Currently, there are 130,000 children in the foster care system without a permanent family (Ryan, Averett, & Nalavany, 2009). Giving same-sex couples the opportunity to adopt could lessen the load and give more children loving, healthy, and happy permanent families. As of today, 24 states recognize same-sex marriage and only 19; including Washington DC permit same-sex couples to jointly adopt; which allows a couple to adopt a child at the same time. 13 states permit second-parent adoption and 6...
Words: 2286 - Pages: 10
...of Human Service found that 517 children are awaiting adoption but only 228 adoptive homes were available (New York Times). Arkansas is one state, out of many, that does not allow gay couples to adopt children. This law prevents numerous children from loving, supporting homes. This does not just consist in the United States, children around the world are constantly being disappointed because of laws that prevent them from having homes and loving families. The laws restrain same sex couples from offering their love and support for a child who does not have that in the first place. Same-sex couples have been just recently they have been given the right to marry in over 20 states and continue to push for equal...
Words: 1657 - Pages: 7
...prevalent. Everyday more and more people are accepting gays and are starting to allow gay marriage. What about gay marriage and adoption? This is a topic that is becoming more prevalent than ever. I didn’t want to speak solely on gay marriage but gay marriage and adoption. I intend to inform you on the benefits and concerns that arrive from two people of the same sex who chose to adopt. In our text we discussed individual rights and responsibility. Is this a right, that two people can raise a child together or is this wrong? What would ethical theories suggest? These are the questions that I would like to answer for you as I intend on informing you the pros and cons of a gay marriage when adopting. Many gay and lesbian people are choosing to become parents through adoption; here are some reasons why they shouldn’t. One argument against gay or lesbian adoption is they cannot provide a good life for the child because of the discrimination the child might face. Some argue that children of gay and lesbian parents will be subject to harassment and ridicule. Parents are the most influential role model in his or her child’s life. Being raised by gay or lesbian parents will no doubt make it more likely for the child to choose to be gay. Parents are the ones who shape the child’s beliefs on what is right and wrong. Some might argue that same sex couples cannot reproduce naturally so therefore, it is wrong for them to even be together, much less adopting children. Another argument...
Words: 1547 - Pages: 7
...Estate Planning for Same Sex Couples I. Introduction The benefits of marriage are unavailable to same-sex couples. Moreover, outdated intestacy statutes fail to recognize the close family bond between same-sex partners. Moreover, most intestacy laws discriminate against same-sex couples in that gay or lesbian relationships are generally considered invalid for the purposes of distributing the estate of a deceased partner who dies without a will. Accordingly, in order to reap inheritance and tax benefits that are automatically afforded to traditional married couples, these same-sex couples must rely on extensive and creative legal planning. There are several tools that provide solutions to this issue. Contract based estate planning techniques are the most commonly used tools for distributing a decedent’s property at death. Though the following planning mechanisms provide certain advantages, they are also accompanied by various disadvantages. II. Wills A will is an instrument by which a person directs dispositions of property to take effect upon death. It is the only document that allows a decedent’s probate assets to pass testate to persons of his or her choosing as opposed to passing via the strict laws of intestacy, under which the surviving partner would receive nothing. Even in the presence of strategies used to avoid probate such as intervivos trusts, wills are an essential precautionary measure to demonstrate the intent to pass property outside of probate, to...
Words: 2337 - Pages: 10
...Adoption Jansen 1 Adoption: Same-Sex Couples Kim Jansen Business and Professional Writing Professor G. Micevski September 29, 2011 Adoption Jansen 2 There is an alarming rate of children in need of homes in the United States. This year 423,773 children are in foster care awaiting homes (Child Welfare Information Gateway 2011). With a number so high, why are we discriminating against same-sex couples adopting? Homosexuals are regular people like everyone else. They have dreams of having families and raising children just like everyone else. They shouldn’t be labeled unfit parents due to their sexual orientation. Love, trust and understanding are what families are made of. I stand up for what I believe in, and I believe that if a homosexual couple can provide a loving, nurturing, and safe environment for a child then they should be deemed worthy of parenting and allowed to adopt! Controversy exists as to whether same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt and many reasons are given. Some of these are that the child will turn gay; gay and lesbian relationships don’t last; and children who live with same-sex parents suffer more emotionally and mentally than children who live with heterosexual parents. Living in a homosexual environment does not make children become homosexuals. Homosexuality is a natural occurrence, not one that is learned. Studies have found that children raised...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
