Children of Same-Sex Couples are Doing Just Fine…

With all that is currently happening in our country and around the world with regards to marriage equality as well as debates involving the pros and cons of children being raised by same-sex couples, we thought we would take a moment to post some information that might help clarify any questions some who could potentially be opposed to same-sex couples raising children may have. When the Supreme Court of the United States recently heard arguments for marriage equality, Justice Scalia claimed that experts still debate whether same-sex parents are bad for children.

“There’s considerable disagreement among sociologists as to what the consequences are of raising a child in a . . . single-sex family, whether that is harmful to the child or not,” Scalia declared.

A report was recently published by the American Society of Pediatrics. The report cites estimates that gay couples and single parents are raising almost two million American children. Their conclusion from their extensive study is below.

“Extensive data available from more than 30 years of research reveal that children raised by gay and lesbian parents have demonstrated resilience with regard to social, psychological, and sexual health despite economic and legal disparities and social stigma. Many studies have demonstrated that children’s well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents’ sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents. Lack of opportunity for same-gender couples to marry adds to families’ stress, which affects the health and welfare of all household members. Because marriage strengthens families and, in so doing, benefits children’s development, children should not be deprived of the opportunity for their parents to be married. Paths to parenthood that include assisted reproductive techniques, adoption, and foster parenting should focus on competency of the parents rather than their sexual orientation.”

This report shouldn’t come to much as a surprise to most, but it’s findings are still relevant and important. The basis of the report states that children raised by two loving individuals are doing just fine.