Family Matters: Gay and Lesbian Adoption

by Diana Hechavarria

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 idea 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).

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