Feedback: Same-sex families

In response to discrimination against homosexuals raising children, I believe same-sex couples have the right to raise children so long as they can support and love that child. These are crucial factors to a child’s healthy development that biological ties themselves cannot guarantee. Many arguments against gays raising children that have been contended have been discredited through research and various meticulous studies.

Furthermore, the commonplace belief that same-sex couples aren’t competent in the art of child rearing is an inane claim simply because same-sex couples are humans and by their very nature have the same abilities and instincts as anyone else to love, protect and support something they hold dear to them. Love is strong, and love is unbiased; therefore, if a family has love for one another, they shouldn’t be discriminated against for their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation isn’t what measures a person’s ability to be successful; all it determines is who they chose to be intimate with, and that is why sexual orientation shouldn’t be a barrier in a society where freedom is preached and opportunities are supposed to be plentiful and equal.

There is no evidence supporting the beliefs that children raised by same-sex couples will be deprived of healthy development. As Charlotte J. Patterson has asserted, “More than two decades of research has failed to reveal important differences in the adjustment or development of children or adolescents reared by same-sex couples compared to those reared by other-sex couples.” In fact, some research even shows quite the contrary, that children raised by gay parents, “felt a greater sense of connection to people at school — favored the youngsters living with same-sex couples.”

There is no evidence to substantiate the notions that children raised by same-sex parents will be worse off than those raised by heterosexual couples. The only known and viable struggle children in these same-sex homes will most likely face is being made victim of homosexual discrimination. But being made victim of hate crimes isn’t an issue concerning a person’s ability to successfully raise children so much as it is a societal issue regarding a lack of appropriate humanity.

Additionally, due to the growing issue of children being abandoned, it is not society’s place to discriminate against the adequacy of parents based on their sexual orientation. In fact, I think anyone who has the means and is willing to adopt children should be allowed to.

Same-sex couples should be allowed to raise children not only because they are human, therefore they should be granted the same rights as everyone else, but also because if their desire to have a family helps aid in the alleviation of abandoned children then this is a win for all parties. All in all, same-sex couples should be allowed to raise children because there is no evidence to prove that this right should be denied them, and furthermore, if we as a society want to achieve ultimate happiness and accord, then coming together and advocating for all people is necessary.

— Katherine Weber, IU Student

I personally disagree that having homosexual parents is a hindrance to a child. Not only do I ethically believe that the parents’ sexual orientation does not impact the dynamics of the family, but there are also scientific studies supporting my claim.

In 2006, Charlotte J. Patterson compiled and cross-examined multiple studies relating to homosexual parenting and found that the “results of research suggest that qualities of family relationships are more tightly linked with child outcomes than is parental sexual orientation.”

Studies such as this have scientifically proven the ethical belief that good parenting does not fit the heterosexual box into which society has attempted to force families. It is my belief that the strength of a parent should not be measured by his or her gender or biological ties to the child, but rather the unconditional love, support and guidance that is provided for the child.

Thus, I move to create a new box into which the ideal family would fit. This box would value love, trust, acceptance, open communication and understanding, among other values. It is my hope that as America — as well as the world — progresses, these qualities will become what children and parents alike value their families for, rather than creating an atmosphere of love contingent on the parents’ sexual orientation.

— Megan Hassey, IU Student