Summary
Adoption by gay/lesbian couples should be banned because it sets a bad influence on the mental development of children. In order to function properly in a society of two different sexes, children need to be brought up by both parents. Family stability is required to raise an emotionally and mentally healthy child. Only heterosexual married couples can provide this stability.
According to various studies in social science, a domestic environment with two parents of opposite sexes is the most suitable atmosphere for the welfare of children. Otherwise, children are likely to be molested by lesbians and gays, who may even be their foster parents. This puts a high risk on the lives of small children who may not be able to defend themselves against stronger adults.
The ability to raise a child is widely different from one’s sexual orientation and even independent of it. Researchers in this regard are in congruence with the idea that homosexual parents are as capable of raising children as heterosexual parents.
While sexual attitudes have no effect on a person’s ability for good rearing of children and while it is quite possible that children brought up by homosexuals are likely to be more tolerant of sexual diversities in society.
However, research studies reported in Psychological Reports examine the stories narrated by 57 true-life incidents involving homosexual parents compiled by lesbian researchers, Louise Rafkin from the United States and Lisa Saffron from England.
It is seen that in these tales, 92% of the children (48 of 52 homes interviewed) attributed 94% of at least one of problems to one of their homosexual parent(s)- excessive sexual drive, mental imbalances, in house fighting, and beating of children, etc. Thus, the best interests of orphaned children need to be kept in mind. When dealing with the legal aspects concerning adoption by gay/lesbian couples.
Introduction
Since times immemorial, only heterosexual married couples were considered fit for adopting a child. But recently, same-sex couples are also seen as eligible for adoption. From the angle of homosexual couples, adoption is a great opportunity to raise children on the argument that the ability to raise a child is widely different from one’s sexual orientation. But, if the best interests of the child are to be kept in mind, adoption into heterosexual homes would be better for children.
Thesis Statement: Adoption by gay and lesbian couples needs to be banned.
1st Argument
The psychological and social development of a child in such a household is very likely to be warped and socially maladjusted. The sexual development of such children may also be cause for concern. This stems from the fact that children need to be looked after, both by a father and mother. One cannot deny the fact that same-sex parenting is not sufficient for the healthy upbringing of a child.
Children tend to follow two role models as they grow up, the father and mother. To conduct themselves with moral righteousness in a society made up of two different sexes, a child has to be nurtured by parents of both sexes.
Child psychiatry researches show that children brought up by gay, or lesbian parents have a much lower capacity to face various challenges of life as developed and calm individuals compared to those children raised by heterosexual couples. (It’s about the child (gay adoption) (Brief article), 2007).
A child experiencing repeated relationship changes will not get the stability of a regular heterosexual family. Moreover, the frequent physical and psychological health problems among homosexuals have serious effects on their life expectancy. Research has shown that the life expectancy of homosexuals is around twenty years lesser than heterosexuals. (Yet another study confirms gay life expectancy 20 years shorter, 2008). In 1990, the state of New Jersey granted adoption to a gay couple in their forties. Within two years and a few months, both men died leaving the adopted five-year-old child with no one to take care of. (Homosexual adoption & children, (n.d)).
Society treats same-sex families as odd. So the social life of these children may also be in danger. Other children may find it uncomfortable to be friends with children with such abnormal upbringing. Children usually have seen only one father and one mother in a family. In the case of adopted children living with same-sex couples, it may be possible that they may be ridiculed in their peer groups.
In an official report on adoption by homosexuals, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that since Heterosexism is seen as common in society and homosexuality is generally identified as disgraceful or shameful, children may feel awkward about the sexual orientation of their foster parents and the unusual setup of their family. This may cause teasing from friends and they will find it difficult to make and keep friendships. (Saletan, 2002).
2nd argument
Another issue concerning homosexual adoption is the risk of molestation. Homosexual families may have an environment of sexual perversion. So there is a chance for sexual molestation at any time. A twelve-year-old boy from the United Kingdom, adopted by a lesbian woman said: “I wish I had a dad.’… Been to every gay pride march. Last year, while attending, we went up to a field… when two men came up to us. One of them started touching me. I didn’t want to go this year because of that.” When considering adoption, organizations and activists focus mainly on Gay/Lesbian rights. Thereby they ignore the best interests of the children. Many clinical reports mention homosexual seduction among other problems faced by children with homosexual parents. (Burns, & Diego, 2005). Thus, fear of molestation by foster parents would become a major issue for children and cause psychological harm to their psyche, and bias their outlook towards their parents in particular, and the world in general. It could lead to childhood trauma that could need psychiatric attention and intervention.
According to the findings of Adolescence, 29% of grown-up children of same-sex parents were victims of sexual molestation by their parents, as against only 0.6 percent of adult children of heterosexual parents. Thus there are major risks for children of homosexual parents to be victimized by their parents. (Homosexual adoption & children, (n.d)).
According to the questionnaire, it is seen that research conducted in five U.S. metropolitan areas – Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Denver, Louisville and Omaha, interalia, eleven respondents who claimed to have homosexual parents in this five-city sample accounted for 0.3% of the total sample, yet reported 16 (2%) of the 670 undesirable sexual experiences and 9 (10%) of the 92 homosexual undesirable sexual experiences. Thus, this research, along with others, has proved that risks of sexual molestation by foster parents are quite substantially validated through research studies in the USA. (Cameron & Cameron, 2009).
Counter argument
The ability to raise a child is widely different from one’s sexual orientation and even independent of it. Researchers in this regard are in congruence with the idea that homosexual parents are as capable of raising children as heterosexual parents.
Kate Kendall is a confirmed lesbian and Head of the San Francisco-based National Center for Lesbian Rights. She is also raising two children with her partner. According to her ”There’s only one response to a study that children raised by lesbian and gay parents may be somewhat more likely to reject notions of rigid sexual orientation — that response has to be elation.” (Gay Parenting Does Affect Children Differently, Study Finds — Authors Believe Gay Parents Have “Some Advantages”, 2008). In other words, Kate rejects the common belief that foster children of same-sex couples would inherit the same orientations as their parents.
Children brought up by Gay/Lesbian couples tend to be more tolerant and open-minded to society. Researches in this regard all agree in proving that homosexual parents are as capable as heterosexual parents in raising children. They also echo that their children are as psychologically healthy and stable as children raised by heterosexual parents. (Sack, 2009).
Refutation to counter-argument
However, it is also seen that incidence of violence and physical assault on children by their homosexual foster parents are distinctly possible.
The a research study reported in the Psychological Reports examines the stories narrated by 57 true-life incidents involving homosexual parents compiled by lesbian researchers Louise Rafkin from the United States and Lisa Saffron from England. It is seen that in these tales, 92% of the children (48 of 52 homes interviewed) attributed 94% of at least one of problems to one of their homosexual parent(s)- excessive sexual drive, mental imbalances, in house fighting, and beating of children, etc.. (Nelson, 1971).
Conclusion
The best interests of orphaned children need to be kept in mind. Thus, homosexual homes present a variety of challenges and risks, some known and others, covert.
Though adoption by gay/lesbian couples has its few advantages, the fact remains that it contradicts natural human life law. The main aim of adoption is to bring an orphaned child back to normal social and family life. It is not appropriate to expose such a child to an atypical sexual behavior and abnormal family structure.
This issue is not about lesbian or gay rights; it is about child welfare. Banning adoption by lesbians and gays will also eventually reduce the popularity of homosexuality. Allowing lesbians and gays to raise children will only encourage this evolving abnormal lifestyle. It can be considered only as an experiment on children up for adoption and needs to be socially tabooed if the best interests and welfare of the child have to be maintained.
References
Burns, Kate. & Diego, San. (2005). Gay Adoption Puts Children at Risk. Paul Cameron. Contemporary Issues Companion: Gays and Lesbians. Greenhaven Press.
C, Ellen., & MD, Perrin. (2002). Technical report: coparent or second- parent adoption by same sex parents: children’s emotion and social development. American Academy of Pediatrics. 3. Web.
Clowes, Brian W., & Sonnier, David L. (2005). Child molestation by homosexuals and heterosexuals. Homiletic & Pastoral Review. P. 46. Web.
Cameron, Paul & Cameron, Kirk. (2009).Health care industry: Homosexual parents. Bnet. Web.
Gay Parenting Does Affect Children Differently, Study Finds — Authors Believe Gay Parents Have “Some Advantages”: Openness to Gay Relationships Met With “Elation”. (2008). Narth. Web.
Homosexual adoption & children. (n.d). Christian Medical Association: Formerly Known as the Christian Medical & Dental Society. Web.
It’s about the child. (gay adoption) (Brief article). (2007). Expanded Academic ASAP: Gale. University of Balamand.
Nelson, B V. (1971).Why states should outlaw homosexual ‘marriage’ and homosexual ‘civil unions’: The battle over marriage. Right Remedy: A Ministry of Dr. Patrick Johnston and Family. Web .
Sack, Kelvin. (2009). Do children of gay parents develop differently. Los Angeles Times. Web.
Saletan, William. (2002). Adopting premises: The sneaky debate over legalizing adoption by Gay couples. Slate. Web.
Wen, Patricia., Philips, Frank., & Staff, Globe. (2006). Boston.com. Web.
Yet another study confirms gay life expectancy 20 years shorter. (2008). LifeSiteNews.com. Web.