...Same-sex Parenting Shaelyn Leckington Comm/215 July 21, 2014 Julie McCabe Same-sex Parenting Everyone should have the opportunity to parent a child if they wish too. It is an experience unlike many others to have a child. A child to love, nurture, and help mold into an adult. People of all different genders, races, and ethnic backgrounds have been able to adopt children. Even single individuals can adopt a child. However, there is an issue that has made itself known, most of society frowns upon same-sex parenting. This makes it hard for same-sex couples to adopt children. There are those in the community that believe same-sex couples should not be parents. They believe that the children of same-sex parents will struggle with development, psychological, educational and, sexual orientation issues. There have been many studies that show there are no pertinent effects on children of same-sex couples. Certain studies, conducted by William Meezan and Jonathan Rauch, show that there is nothing to support that same-sex parents are unfit to hold parental roles. There is no scientific evidence to prove it. However, research does imply that same-sex couples are just as likely to maintain safe, constructive, healthy and, supportive living environments for their children as opposite- sex parents. There are little to no differences in the development of the children from these couples. When the rare difference is found they sometimes favor the same-sex parented...
Words: 866 - Pages: 4
...ON SAME SEX PARENTING Same Sex Parenting, Detrimental to the Child’s Well-being? Examining Both Sides of the Debate on Homosexual Parenting Parastou (Paris) Mina-Pour 67143091 University of British Columbia BOTH SIDES OF THE DEBATE ON SAME SEX PARENTING Same Sex Parenting, Detrimental to the Child’s Well-being? Examining Both Sides of the Debate on Homosexual Parenting Heterosexism is defined as the assumption that heterosexuality is the dominant sexual orientation or lifestyle, while the term homophobia is defined as a sense of disgust, hatred and 2 negative feeling toward men or women who are attracted to individuals of the same sex (Dreyer, 2007). In 1973, the American Psychological Association eliminated homosexuality from the list of psychological disorders. It is hard to imagine that prior to this, it was common for gay individuals to be ordered into mental asylums or involuntary confinements and be diagnosed as psychologically unwell, simply because they were attracted to individuals of the same sex (Hawkes & Scott, 2005). Historically, homosexuality was considered a crime in regions such as South Australia up until 1972 and was only removed as being an act of transgression in 1997 (Hawkes & Scott, 2005). However, as a result of a shift in societal beliefs, attitudes and the removal of unfair laws against same sex couples, gay individuals are no longer perceived as negatively as they had been in the past. Nevertheless, the desire of same-sex couples...
Words: 3520 - Pages: 15
...With the advances in assisted reproduction technology (ART), such as surrogacy and in vitro fertilization, more people both inside and outside the traditional relationships of a biological mother and father have a chance to have a child. These families consist of single parents and also same sex couples. With same sex relationships, a third party has to be involved, which could be either a surrogate mother or a male donor. Unfortunately, there are still many people in society that are homophobic. Lesbian co-mothers are growing in population. ART has contributed to a significant increase in the number of lesbian and gay individuals choosing to raise children. Most lesbian couples obtain a child from either a past heterosexual relationship or by alternative insemination where the child then has two mothers and a male donor. People within society are concerned about this because it is not a traditional type of family. They feel that a child should have both a male and female figure represented in a family to make an ideal environment. Gay couples also have a hard time involving ART and children. One reason for this is because gay male couples have to go through both artificial insemination and surrogacy laws. The way that this usually works is that a gay male couple will find a woman who is willing to be a surrogate mother. The woman is artificially inseminated with semen from one of the two males and delivers the baby to the couple after the birth. One of the major problems...
Words: 542 - Pages: 3
...Writer Foster Friess once said, "If we really want to cherish freedom, people who want to believe that same-sex parenting should take place, they have a right to believe that, and people who want to believe it's inappropriate, we should not demonize those people. Homosexual parenting has had a huge increase in the last five years. As of February 2013, more than 111,000 same-sex couples are raising an estimated 220,000 children (Gates 1). Although the recent gains in homosexual marriage are starting to be accepted more, the stigmatism associated with homosexual parenting still exists. People say things like it is immoral and that it will turn the child gay. Some people even say that it confuses the child's outlook on masculinity and femininity....
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
...includes three subtopics. Write your thesis statement in the box below: Same sex marriages are identified in equivalence of traditional marriage in other states, providing parenting opportunities for children that are being recycling within child welfare system, and receive support from the government with other marital resources. | Thesis Statement Grading Criteria: Consider the following questions when developing the thesis statement for your essay. These criteria will be applied when this assignment is graded. The answer to each of the five questions below should be yes if you have drafted a quality thesis statement. 1) Does the thesis statement respond to the writing prompt? Yes 2) Did you take a position that others may oppose? Yes 3) Is the thesis statement specific? Yes 4) Does the thesis pass the “So what?” test? Yes 5) Does the thesis statement not leave the reader with questions? Yes Part 2: Gathering Resources Assignment Directions: Review “Research and Sources” in the media piece “The Writing Process.” Use the GCU elibrary to find three sources to use in your persuasive essay. Fill out the requested information in the table below about your sources. | Article 1 | Article 2 | Article 3 | Title and Author(s) | Williams, ReginaldSame-Sex Marriage and Equality. | Meezan, William; Rauch, JonathanGay Marriage, Same-Sex Parenting, and America's Children | Verma, PriyaDouglas, Carol AnnePleatman, RachelChapman...
Words: 648 - Pages: 3
...Same Sex Marriage Recently the discussion of same sex marriage has been a hot topic in both the political and religious arenas. This controversial issue has caused many citizens to take a solid stance on same sex marriages based on his or her morals, beliefs, and viewpoints. Popular reasons that citizens considered when deciding their stance are civil rights, religion, parenting, and financial matters. This paper will break down the pros and cons of each of the reasons listed and attempt to come to a conclusion of should same sex marriages be legalized in the state of Californians. Civil Rights The Constitution of the United States was written in 1776, which during that time there were no gender specifications noted pertaining to the recognition of a legal marriage. Same sex marriage debate is so large that in 1996, President Bill Clinton signed for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which clarified that marriage is between a man and woman. The main reason gay and lesbian couples are fighting hard to legalize same sex marriage is so those couples will be allowed to and benefit from the same government, financial, and legal stances as heterosexuals marriages. Several states allow partnerships or civil union for same sex couples, however, they are denied certain rights given to heterosexual couples (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). Because of the growing debate of same sex marriages, President Obama administration said that it would no longer defend...
Words: 2509 - Pages: 11
...Same-sex parenting has widely been evidenced over the past years with some lesbians and gay men taking a central part in the parenting processes through various methods including insemination from the donors, surrogate, adoption processes and fostering of the children. Critically, multiple debates have revolved the nature of the relationship existing among Lesbians, Gay partners. Some individuals including government officials have been at the forefront opposing same-sex marriage and parenthood through the affirmation of the associated mental health effects among the children. Most of them have argued that these types of children are characterized by significant rates of emotional instability and social problems as compared to the those having...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...Controversial Subject Rebuttal: Same Sex Marriage BCOM/275 September 16th, 2013 This subject as you know has been around for many decades. Some persons who are not comfortable to talk about the subject while others are freely open to it. Mostly, this topic hinders around many religious teachings fundamentally although we might not all be openly practicing our religion. Dr. James Dobson wrote, “Same Sex Marriage Decays Families.” “As you are aware the institution of marriage is between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage is defined as a union between two people who are of the same gender or biological sex. This is obvious from the varying definitions of marriage that this topic carries with it a large amount of controversy. Those who support same-sex marriage often argue that love is grounds enough for marriage, regardless of their sexual orientation. Those who are opposed often cite religious viewpoints and concerns about the rearing of children as the main reasons for their opposition. The conflict over same-sex marriage is not a simple one. It involves many legislative, cultural, religious and family issues.” http://www.debate.org/gay-marriage/ However, “from a legal standpoint, those on the opposing side of the gay marriage situation often believe that the rights of marriage should be restricted to couples who are of the opposite sex. Those who are for it believe that marriage is a civil right and should not have restrictions to those of a particular...
Words: 688 - Pages: 3
...Same-Sex Marriage Bernard Randall-Jones American Intercontinental University Online Abstract Same-sex marriage, also commonly referred to as Gay marriage, is a very hotly contested issue that divides a great number of people throughout the world. In this argumentative essay, the topic is explored by three of its main arguments. The first exploration of this topic will involve the ability of same-sex couples to parent as effectively as their heterosexual counterparts. Next, the legal issues surrounding same-sex marriage are explored. Lastly, the religious arguments are evaluated. Both sides of the argument for and against same-sex marriage are discussed while the reader is given a respect for the position of supporting marriage equality. Same-Sex Marriage Traditionally, marriage has been defined as both a religious and civil institution that has been afforded to one man and one woman in the promise of love. Modern, more liberal ideologies have challenged this view. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people have been at the forefront of championing the cause for the right to expand the definition of marriage to allow everyone to enjoy the same rights and privileges, without discrimination, as their heterosexual counterparts. Amongst the privileges that they seek are to love, honor and cherish their spouses in equal recognition to their heterosexual counterparts. This paper argues that LGBT people should be allowed to marry because homosexual couples...
Words: 1825 - Pages: 8
...Traditional Relationships and Same Sex Relationships: Are They Really That Different? According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center “49% of Americans are in support of same sex marriage. What is more interesting is that 70% of the Millennial Generation (people born after 1980) are in support of same sex marriage.” While these numbers have significantly increased over the years and it looks like the younger generation is becoming much more accepting of gay marriage there are still many out there who oppose it. This makes us wonder, how different is a homosexual and a heterosexual relationship? Honestly, there are not a lot of concrete differences. Homosexual relationships can be just as long lasting as a heterosexual relationship. The love that a homosexual feels for their partner is just as strong as their heterosexual counterpart. A same sex couple is just as capable of supporting and a raising a child. The major difference that exists between homosexual and heterosexual relationships is the fact that marriage is still not legal in all states. This poses an issue for homosexuals because they are denied many rights that heterosexuals are granted. While homosexual and heterosexual relationship are different they are also surprisingly similar. A stereotype exists in our society that same sex partnerships are not as long lasting as heterosexual relationships or that homosexuals do not desire to be in a committed relationship. This stereotype has been disproven...
Words: 1152 - Pages: 5
...quotas have notably been seen in local political campaigns through demands that the scope of marriage should be adjusted to suit different conditions in marriage including same sex marriage, interracial marriages and single parenting. When goals in affirmative action are not met, the burden of showing evidence that there was no discrimination against women and minorities lies with the employers in a job recruiting exercise for example. The people who advocate for these “rights” don’t have the burden of proof to elaborately show there was no discrimination in the exercise whatsoever. In many countries, minorities have always outperformed the majority even when there was no way of discriminating against them. Marriage has ever been recognized as the binding of a man and woman since. A vast range of laws have, however, come up in regard to marriage. All arising from disparities resultant from the union of man and woman. These disparities, however, arise naturally and affirmative policies should be developed for people who engage in behaviors that occur naturally and are inevitable. Research reveals that it is normal for differences between people of the same sex to occur, thus, everyone need laws that protect them whatsoever the case. Families led by a single parent have been on the rise. Single parenting can result from several phenomenon including death of a partner, one partner being jailed or due to a divorce. They often fall into poverty because these single parents are...
Words: 860 - Pages: 4
...couple. It has a civil form and a religious form. There is a great diversity of types of love and marriage, and social attitudes to some of them have changed greatly. In particular, attitudes towards cohabitation, gay and lesbian marriage and sole parenting were more accepted in the world. A cohabitation relationship can be defined as living together of two people as partners but without a marriage certificate. Gay and lesbian refers to marriage between people of the same gender. Sole parenting concerns a parent who is raising their children without a spouse. One area of serious alteration is in attitudes towards cohabitation which has become more acceptable. In the past, cohabitation was considered to be shameful. However, today there are many people who live together as a couple without marriage. This is more popular in modern life than ever before. In Viet Nam for example, cohabitation is a new phenomenon in society over the last few years and has become a widely spreading trend. Viet Nam society used to base on Confucian values. Most children in the family were expected to live formally. Losing face or honour was the most important priority that people were concerned about in the past. For example, when a boy or a girl had sex before marriage. This was regarded as a stigma during their life. Similarly, cohabitation without marriage was viewed as shameful. Compare to affluent society, cohabitation is becoming more acceptable. Because people are more open- minded. They...
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
...Redefined Family: Same Sex Parent Households An Annotated Bibliography Pederson Yoest, Sarah. “A Family of a Different Feather”. Fort Worth: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 30, 2007. The author speaks about Children’s story “And Tango Makes Three”, a book that parents tried to ban from school libraries. The book spoke of two male penguins who were in love and we not the traditional family. The zookeeper noticed the two males doing everything together including nesting but could not lay eggs. The zookeeper gave the male penguins a extra egg laid by another family that needed to be cared for. Tango which was the two male penguin’s daughter, became the first penguin female to have two daddies. The author’s 5 year old daughter of this article was curious as to why Tango had two daddies. A simple reply of “there are all kinds of ways to be a family”. There are a lot of children all across America that are in Tango’s situation. Pooley, Julie Ann. “Resilience in Same –Sex Parented Families: The Lived Experience of Adults with Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Parents.” Journal of GLBT Family Studies. 2014, Vol. 10 Issue 4, p329-353. 25p. 1 Chart The author examines the results of research done on children who had at least one parent who was identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Children raised by same-sex parents were psychologically healthy, and as socially and academically well-adjusted as their peers who were raised in traditional heterosexual-parented families. These children...
Words: 771 - Pages: 4
...religious stand point as well personal values. With homosexuality being seen by a vast majority as being immoral and sinful, the biggest argument to date is that many people feel by allowing gay marriage to take place that this will weaken the institution of marriage and family values. On September 21, 1996 both houses of Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA a federal law which defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. This law, signed by then President Bill Clinton denies the rights of same-sex couples to marry. Not only does this law prevent same-sex couples to marry, it also denies these men and women certain monetary benefits such as public employee benefits, social security survivors, government employee benefits. “Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg recently suggested at a University of Colorado interview that the Supreme Court could likely decide soon whether the law that bars federal recognition of same –sex marriage is constitutional” (Voorhees, 2012). Today a hotly debated question rages on in the United States, should the institution of marriage be redefined to...
Words: 2591 - Pages: 11
...Should Same Sex Couples be allowed to adopt? Tanisha Culberson 08/30/2015 Should Same Sex Couples be allowed to adopt? Society's image of a perfect family includes a father and a mother of the opposite sex. People feel this is what's best for a child. What a bunch of baloney this is just a stereotype. What happened to the best interest of the child? Why are there so many same-sex couples getting rejected by adoption agencies? Why are there so many children being kicked out of the school system because they have gotten too old. In the United States, more than 397,122 children are waiting to be adopted. Approximately 2,000,000 same-sex couples are interested in adopting, but religious groups are against it, and a lot of adoption agencies associated with different religious groups. Most religious groups feel as though same-sex couples should not even marry. They believe in God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, who gave them the right to judge? Same-sex couple's path to parenting is not easy. It depends on state laws and lots of money. In addition to same-sex adoption, it could help move children out of the welfare system, which would create more money for the state. Homosexual parents are more motivated and committed because they are parents by choice, not by accident. How many children are placed up for adoption by opposite sex couples? How many children are up for adoption by same-sex couples? Sexual orientation does not influence good parenting. People should...
Words: 631 - Pages: 3
