...Mike Thiesing Writing Workshop December 1, 2011 Gay Adoption in America How could this be fair? Same sex couples have been struggling to gain rights to adopt. Some have been successful, while others have not. But the question is not how just this issue is to the couple, but how fair it is to the child being adopted. The answer to this question is that it is not fair at all to the child who is adopted by a gay couple. Today, many same sex couples are fighting for the right to be able to adopt a child of their own without any restrictions. There are many people who are for this, but who are equally countered by many people against the issue. So the real question is, should gay couples be able to adopt children? Same sex adoption should not be allowed considering the effects, both physically and psychologically, that it will have on the child adopted. It is often believed that opposite sex relatives and friends can stand in as role models for the children so they can have both a mother and father. However, this is not an affective way of raising a child. According to “The Week” in their article about gay adoption rights, a child must have both a father and mother to have proper role models. An outside role model such as a family friend or relative is not the same as having a mother and father at home. This article also says that fewer male teachers are available as role models, so children of lesbian couples may find it more difficult to find this role model they need...
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...Apri 3rd, 2016 One of the most controversial subjects of our era, same-sex parenting continues to be a reason of debate and discrepancy in several first world countries, even in those where same-sex couples are allowed to get married. It is logical for most people to be reluctant to accept that gay couples can adopt. Experts have demonstrated the importance of the maternal and paternal roles in childhood, which determine the child’s performance in school and their ability to fit in society. Having a completely different family structure could be confusing and ultimately result in irreparable psychological stress for the adopted kid. However, studies show that most arguments against gay and lesbian adopting rights are obsolete and irrationally conservative. There is a constantly increasing number of children that desperately need a loving home because their biological parents cannot rear them, and there are also countless same-sex couples willing to provide those unwanted children with all the love and stability that they deserve. The argument that growing up with gay or lesbian adoptive parents traumatizes children is a myth, and the most recent family studies corroborate this fact. It is important to first understand why same-sex couples wish to adopt. As opposed to most heterosexual couples-which consider adoption only after trying fertility treatments of all kinds- most homosexual couples see adoption as their first and only choice for parenting. (Jennings et al., 2014)...
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...Professor Osborne WRT 101 21 October 2012 Signify Our Wedding Ring In today’s world, many controversial issues are discussed such as abortion, prostitution, and homosexuality. Same sex marriage has been debated in various countries for many years. This issue brings wide concern to moral and human rights. In earlier times, same-sex marriages were evidential tolerated in parts of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt as shown in artifacts found. The Western world was known for being very accepting of same-sex relationships and unions, which is revealed in Greek paintings. People who are against gay marriage primarily focus on the moral aspect of gay marriage. Supporters of gay marriage think about same-sex couples and the positive effects it can have on them and our society. Gay marriage should be legalized in all states because it is their civil right, it increases family value which leads to an increasing rate in adoption, and same sex marriages stimulate the economy through financial increase. People who are non-supporters of gay marriage believe it goes against the moral and definition of marriage. In Market Watch magazine (2008), many people believe that gay marriages destroy the value of family and tradition. Furthermore, same sex marriage completely goes against major religions such as Catholicism and Islam. However, people do not realize that civil and religious marriages are distinct and separated. Joe Solmoneses, the president of the Human Rights Campaign...
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...legally recognized. Regardless of sexual orientation, everyone is entitled to the same rights. Yet in most states, the estimated 3.1 million same-sex couples in this country (Bernstein, 247) cannot legally marry. The controversial topic of legalizing same-sex marriages is not a matter of heterosexual versus homosexual; it’s a matter of the laws of our nation not providing equality. As a straight Christian female, I object to homosexuality but I don’t pass my judgment on to others. More importantly, as a citizen, I know, religious beliefs Christian or any other have no weight in arguments regarding the laws of this democracy. I am outraged by this injustice in America and it’s seems to me that same sex marriages should by all means be legal. This is considered bureaucratic power. Bureaucratic power is a system of government in which most of the decisions are by state rather than elected officials. There are so many reasons why gay (or lesbian) marriages should be legal in the United States. First, look at the document on which this country was founded on, the Declaration of Independence, which states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It’s clear to see, this document’s purpose was to establish equality and grant everyone the same rights (although this didn’t happen for some time). The term “pursuit of happiness”...
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...don’t have all the same rights heterosexuals have. Homosexuals cannot file for taxes along with their partner, cannot receive medical benefits or health insurance under their partner’s coverage, as most husband and wives do, cannot adopt a child, and most essentially, they cannot create a bond of unity to express their love through a legal marriage. Many of these rights heterosexuals take for granted. One of the largest differences for a homosexual is living a life of fear. Along with all of their day to day activities that mirror any heterosexual, they must also deal with the stress of being perceived as different and unacceptable to the society which they are a part of. Homosexuals must know the places they are welcomed as a gay person, and the places where they must hide their true feelings. In recent years, homosexuals have been fighting long and hard to get the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Now, employers and health care providers are being forced to listen to their cries for equality. Most employers offer health benefits to their heterosexual employees and their families. Some companies cover the total cost of this benefit; others cover the bulk of the cost while the employee contributes as a small amount each week out if their salary. In some instances this can account for 25% of the employee’s total wages (Partners-Domestic). Employers are using the excuse of high expenses as their main reason behind not offering these same benefits to homosexual...
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...Adoption by homoparental families has generated great controversy in the last couple of years. The controversy about adoption leads to different reactions and different ways of thinking, affecting the lives of many children and families. Consequently, it is a subject that has traditional arguments against and in favor of it, since it is defined as: what will happen after homoparental union. First of all, it is believed that homoparental adoption affects the development of the child by the effects and reactions that are normally generated. However, on the other side, the homoparental couples are not fit to perform this task. Therefore, this argument opposes what is believed. Homoparental Adoption is not different and does not affect the child in any ways. According to the University of the Savannah, "There is no scientific evidence today that would lead to denying the possibility of same-sex couples adopting children, nor is there evidence that only the heterosexuality of the couple guarantees human affective, care and guidance conditions that allow for development balance of the child." Thus, there is no cause-effect relationship between the sexual orientation of parents and children. On the other hand, homoparental couples carry with them great challenges such as tougher stereotypes and criticism. In addition, it is important to mention that the...
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...9/12/14 SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Marriage is considered an important aspect of community and culture. It is a right that is not given without serious consideration. Marriage comes with all types of benefits. Property rights, tax related rights, social security benefits, joint parenting and adoption, and estate planning to name a few. Also signifies a couple’s commitment to one another. The right to marriage should be available to all United States citizens. Regardless of sexual orientation. Gays and lesbians (homosexuals) should be able to marry and have the same rights and privileges as heterosexuals. Same-sex marriage is the union of two people of the same gender. Same-sex marriage is a constitutional and human right. In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled marriage as “A fundamental importance to all individuals and the most important relation of life.” The federal government goes by the constitution. The constitution doses not discuss or deal with same-sex marriage directly. Therefore, the federal government doses not recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples are hoping to get federal and state benefits alongside heterosexual couples. The ones against same-sex marriage believe the gays and lesbians (homosexuals) have done something wrong and should be denied the rights and privileges that come with marriage. They think the idea of legalizing same-sex marriage would put the whole idea of marriage a risk of being redefined entirely. While, individuals for same-sex marriage...
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...are starting to allow gay marriage. What about gay marriage and adoption? This is a topic that is becoming more prevalent than ever. I didn’t want to speak solely on gay marriage but gay marriage and adoption. I intend to inform you on the benefits and concerns that arrive from two people of the same sex who chose to adopt. In our text we discussed individual rights and responsibility. Is this a right, that two people can raise a child together or is this wrong? What would ethical theories suggest? These are the questions that I would like to answer for you as I intend on informing you the pros and cons of a gay marriage when adopting. Many gay and lesbian people are choosing to become parents through adoption; here are some reasons why they shouldn’t. One argument against gay or lesbian adoption is they cannot provide a good life for the child because of the discrimination the child might face. Some argue that children of gay and lesbian parents will be subject to harassment and ridicule. Parents are the most influential role model in his or her child’s life. Being raised by gay or lesbian parents will no doubt make it more likely for the child to choose to be gay. Parents are the ones who shape the child’s beliefs on what is right and wrong. Some might argue that same sex couples cannot reproduce naturally so therefore, it is wrong for them to even be together, much less adopting children. Another argument is that gays or lesbians cannot distinguish gender to their children...
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...Gay adoption is the adoption of children by same sex couples. Based on this topic, I’d like to look into the question “Are children adopted by gay parents more likely to have the psychological problem?” And the thesis I stated is that gay couples are able to provide a warm and normal environment for adopted children to grow up. I want to focus on this topic from the current situation of gay adoption, gay couples are capable of raising children and children adopted by gay parents are the same as those who born in heterosexual families. Nowadays, the homosexual people are coming into public view and are accepted by more and more people. It has attracted much concern to improve and protect their rights, such as the Gay-Right Movement which refers...
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...legalize the same-sex marriage here in the Philippines?” “Marriage is about LOVE, not GENDER”, this is what the gays and lesbians wanted to say. Nowadays, this issue, the same-sex marriage is viral in the whole world. But, what is same-sex marriage? It is defined as a union between two people who are of the same gender or biological sex. Since 2001, ten nations and other jurisdictions have made this type of union legal. Whether or not to recognize such marriages remains a source of debate as far as civil rights, political and social issues go. Introduction of same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction, being variously accomplished through legislative change to marriage laws, a court ruling based on constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote (via ballot initiative or referendum). The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political and social issue, and also a religious issue in many countries and debates continue to arise over whether people in same-sex relationships should be allowed marriage or some similar status (a civil union). Same-sex marriage can provide those in same-sex relationships who pay their taxes with government services and make financial demands on them comparable to those afforded to and required of those in opposite-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage also gives them legal protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights. Various faith communities around the world support allowing those of the same sex to marry,...
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...the same privileges as others, compassion is not shown with respect. Given that times are changing, it is only right that everybody follows suit and makes the necessary alterations to equalize all humans. I believe, if individuals are more informed on Gay Rights such as marriage, adoption and the military discussion of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) maybe we can fight to give same-sex couples the opportunities that the rest of the population have. The first and topic to establish a more equal world is same-sex marriage, collectively known as Gay Marriage. Marriage throughout time has been instituted as opposite sex only unions. As of March 18, 2011 a Washington Post-ABC poll stated that fifty-three percent of Americans are pro gay and lesbian marriage, which is up from thirty-six percent in 2006 (HRC,2011). Comparing homosexual marriages to heterosexual marriages stand to be very equal in all aspects. Both are considered loyal, devoted partners who are active and committed to their community. The advantages given to these unions are very beneficial to all involved. Not just for income sake, but health issues too. It is proven that when in a marriage, humans tend to live longer and healthier lives. So it is shown that marriage in any form is better for the world in general. Looking at the laws as they stand, in 2011 there are six participating states in America that allow the union of gay couples. On May 17, 2004 Massachusetts was the first state to legally accept same-sex marriage...
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...Gesselle P. Acebedo A1A Banning same-sex marriage can be seen as discrimination towards the couple which is against human rights. (Lee 56) So, legalizing same-sex marriage will grant the couples benefit from the rights offered by the law. Some of the rights are: the right to pension benefits, tenancy rights, responsibility to provide reasonable maintenance for partners and children, possible parental responsibility for a partner’s children, full recognition for life insurance, the same tax treatment as married couples and visiting rights in hospitals. (O’ Brien 75) When gay marriages are illegalized, those in it will feel that they have been prohibited also to show each other love. (Kranz & Cusick 53) In contrast, marriage should not be extended to same-sex couples because they cannot produce children. (gaymarriage.procon.org) Literally, it is true. As the time goes by, the gay couple will seek for a child. They will begin to feel the desire of having children. So, their tendency is to adopt which would greatly affect the child while growing. In addition to the first paragraph, same-sex marriages also have benefits in our society. Gay marriages can bring financial gain to state and local governments. (gaymarriage.procon.org) The revenue from gay marriages comes from marriage licenses, higher income taxes, and decreases in costs for state benefit programs. It will also benefit our society through adoption. Gay couples will tend to adopt because they cannot produce on...
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...foster care. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, only one hundred thousand of them are eligible for adoptions. Unfortunately, last year there were qualified adoptive parents available for only twenty thousand of these children. The vast majority was not lucky enough to be chosen for adoption because they are known as “hard-to-place” children due to their age, race, or a disability. Many of them live in institutions where they do not receive personalized attention and become run-aways. The ones who stay end up living in more than twenty different foster homes before they are of legal age. Data collected in 2014 by the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting...
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...are starting to allow gay marriage. What about gay marriage and adoption? This is a topic that is becoming more prevalent than ever. I didn’t want to speak solely on gay marriage but gay marriage and adoption. I intend to inform you on the benefits and concerns that arrive from two people of the same sex who chose to adopt. In our text we discussed individual rights and responsibility. Is this a right, that two people can raise a child together or is this wrong? What would ethical theories suggest? These are the questions that I would like to answer for you as I intend on informing you the pros and cons of a gay marriage when adopting. Many gay and lesbian people are choosing to become parents through adoption; here are some reasons why they shouldn’t. One argument against gay or lesbian adoption is they cannot provide a good life for the child because of the discrimination the child might face. Some argue that children of gay and lesbian parents will be subject to harassment and ridicule. Parents are the most influential role model in his or her child’s life. Being raised by gay or lesbian parents will no doubt make it more likely for the child to choose to be gay. Parents are the ones who shape the child’s beliefs on what is right and wrong. Some might argue that same sex couples cannot reproduce naturally so therefore, it is wrong for them to even be together, much less adopting children. Another argument is that gays or lesbians cannot distinguish gender to their children...
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...getting the win on Proposition 8 will define marriage in California (to mean only) a union between one man and one woman. Yes will add exactly 14 words to the California State Constitution: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Voting no on Proposition 8 will define marriage in California( to mean) a union between any two people regardless of gender, which would include same-sex couples (Wohlsen & Hoag, 2009). Clearly, the effects of this vote will be far-reaching and long lasting. Advocates of Proposition 8 urge people to consider many consequences prior to voting. The following will explore counter arguments effecting these consequences and show that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional as it “violates the due process and equal protection rights of gays and lesbians under the U.S. Constitution by denying them the right to marry the person of their choice and by singling them out for disparate treatment without a legitimate rationale” (Ashby, 2010). Same Sex Marriage: Overturn Ban on Same Sex Marriage in California An Argument to Vote No on Proposition 8 During the hearing, it was argued that Propositions 8’s withdrawal of the right of marriage from gays and lesbians was unconstitutional as it violates their civil rights. The reason being was, in the 5 months prior to the ruling of Proposition 8, gay and lesbian couples enjoyed the right to marry as it had been ruled legal in the state of California, only to have it taken away...
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