Family Matters: Gay and Lesbian Adoption

The issue of allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children has been one of much debate, particularly in my state of Florida. From a sociological perspective, widespread homophobia is the leading cause of many denouncing same sex adoption. The ideal of a traditional nuclear family is one of the biggest obstacles homosexual couples encounter when facing the issue parenting. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to heterosexual couples only. Additionally, viewing homosexuality as a condition, we label homosexuals as deviant, therefore classifying them as unfit parents. Understanding the institution of the family is changing, we need to accept homosexuals are capable parents, and they do not produce dysfunctional behavior in children, nor detrimentally affect their well being. Research supports that there is no apparent difference in the mental health of children raised by homosexuals. "The quality of parenting, not the parent's sexual orientation, it the primary factor in a child's healthy development" (Savage 2001:A13).

Worldwide, adoption by same sex couples is receiving national recognition. Ontario, Canada, London and Manchester, England permit adoption by gay couples. In South Africa, two African judges successfully amended legislation to insure same sex life partners an opportunity to adopt children with the benefits afforded to married spouses. Sweden has also passed legislation permitting same sex partners to adopt children beginning in 2003, arguing there is no evidence that "adopted children are detrimentally affected by the sexual orientation of their parents" (Sultan 2000). This worldwide trend towards liberalism reflects how societies are recognizing same sex relationships just as valid as heterosexual relationships, thus enabling equality within adoption rights among heterosexual and homosexual adoptions, by shedding homosexual stereotypes.