While the theories have existed for some time, finding corroborating evidence is problematic as the research suggests a different path.
Pawelski et al. suggests that children raised in gay homes may experience isolation, peer ridicule, harassment, and depression. They also posit that these children have a higher propensity to consider suicide and attempt suicide. This internal confusion may be exacerbated by the absence of support groups and structures to assist in reducing the impact of this psychological upheaval. As there are sustained efforts to limit the establishment of groups considered "gay- straight alliances" (Pawelski et al.). This seems to suggest that there are serious psychological problems for children living in these arrangements.
This position is however countered by the work of Golombok et al. cited in (Patterson 1032) where they demonstrate that children from lesbian homes do not score lower than children from different sex homes on psychological tests. Daughters from same sex families scored higher on a well-being test than daughters from different sex families (1032). In total, the research suggests that at present children from same sex unions do not experience any significant psychological problems. Any problems observed are similar in both qualitative and quantitative terms to different sex families.
While individual homes may not be specifically affected. It is important to note that the nationwide political and religious debate over same-gender marriage has intensified. The result is the exacerbation of an already unstable climate for gay men and lesbians in our society. The lack of societal tolerance, acceptance, and support that gay and lesbian individuals, couples, and their children experience can and does affect their psychosocial and physical health and safety.
Meezan and Rauch in examining the research on gay and lesbian marriages posit that children who are raised by gay and lesbian parents are doing as well as so called normal children (97). It should be noted however, that much of the research involves very small sample sizes and it is uncertain that they represent the wider population of married gay persons with children. The challenge is that "we do not know how the normative child in a same sex family compares to other children" (Meezan and Rauch 104). This impediment is not sufficient to inviolate the substantive elements of the research.
A dominant view is that gay parents will raise gay...
Gay marriage is a topical and controversial issue, as evidenced by the subject's coverage in the media, presence on ballot initiatives and the high visibility of the controversy in general. There are a few different ethical issues where gay marriage is concerned. To opponents, the primary ethical issue relates to concepts such as the sanctity of marriage and the survival of the species. For proponents, the ethical issues are greater,
Homosexual Marriage and the Impacts on Parenting Homosexual marriage refers to legal matrimony between two individuals of the same gender and it is a phenomenon which has come under a great deal of scrutiny and debate during the last few years. As of the time of this writing nine states have legalized gay marriage, and 31 states have constitutional amendments which ban gay marriage to some extent -- a fact alone
Gay Marriage A Discussion about the Relevant Factors that Affect Same-Sex Partners in the Modern World Gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, is one of the most controversial topics in the modern age. It can be a divisive topic because many people feel strongly about the issue from both sides. Many argue that any form of partnership should have equal rights as the traditional marriages do and cite legal arguments and make reference
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