The topic of “Gay Marriage” has long been controversial, but it is not the only issue that sparks intense debate. In the United States, 13 states permit same-sex marriage; however, married Homosexual couples in these states encounter obstacles regarding adoption. Adoption laws differ across states, with some allowing it and others forbidding it. These couples not only strive for equal recognition as married individuals with Heterosexual couples’ rights but also advocate for their right to adopt. By doing so, they aim to provide a secure, emotionally supportive, and stable home environment for adopted children while promoting ethical adoptions.
The moral decision to allow gay couples to adopt is based on the belief that they should be recognized as loving families, just like any other. Many argue that homosexual couples, especially those seeking to adopt, often have more stable relationships. Making adoption legal for these couples would help address the significant shortage of available parents in the United States. Regardless of sexual orientation, having a family is preferable to being in the foster care system, considering the large number of children worldwide who lack parents.
It is every child’s right and in their best interest to have a parent and a family. According to the Congressional Coalition of Adoption Institute (CIA), there are currently 400,540 children in the US foster care system without permanent families. Among them, 115,000 are eligible for adoption. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of these children will wait over three years before finding a home.
Additionally, many children are removed from heterosexual households by the Department of Child Services due to various forms of parental abuse such as neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.The Week Online Article highlights that state laws generally categorize individuals who cause harm to children under their care, such as relatives, babysitters, and foster parents, as perpetrators of child abuse and neglect. The article argues that discriminating against gay men and lesbians who aspire to become parents is essentially a form of bias based on sexual orientation, despite the existence of numerous single-parent households.
Despite the recognition of same-sex marriages in many states, these couples are still hindered from providing a nurturing environment for disadvantaged children. These children, who are in foster care, face challenges including lower academic performance, problematic behavior, and decreased self-confidence. However, it is undeniable that homosexual parents can establish loving households and raise well-rounded individuals who go on to achieve remarkable accomplishments. Each Walls, an advocate of legislation supporting gay marriage and someone who was raised by two mothers, firmly believes that every child deserves a caring and dedicated family like his own.
The concept of family is deeply ingrained in our commitment to offer assistance during challenging times and cherish moments of happiness. It is built on the loving bond that unites us, fostering a sense of belonging. However, there are differing viewpoints regarding the ethical implications surrounding Gay Adoption. Some people oppose it, arguing that children should only be raised by a heterosexual couple within the framework of a “traditional marriage” setting. They believe that having both male and female role models is crucial for children’s overall development into well-rounded individuals. These individuals claim that growing up without a father or mother can lead to lower accomplishments, decreased rates of success, reduced self-esteem, and increased susceptibility to bullying.
The development of children raised by homosexual parents is greatly influenced. This influence becomes more noticeable when they become aware that their friends’ parents differ from their own. If not addressed appropriately, this can result in lasting psychological effects, potentially leading to identity problems and even suicide. Robert Lopez, who was raised in a lesbian marriage household, opposes gay parents and asserts that his non-traditional and unconventional home environment had negative consequences for him. Sociologists find it difficult to measure these consequences.
Lopez also claims that his peers acquired knowledge of social norms and non-verbal communication within the confines of their own homes. They were aware of appropriate behavior and speech for different situations and understood both masculine and feminine social dynamics. In today’s society, a heterosexual household with two parents of opposite genders is seen as the norm and is rarely questioned. Additionally, various religious groups and organizations point to the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12 of the Bible, which commands individuals to honor their parents.
Many Divine Command Theorists back this viewpoint since, as per DUCT, any command from God in the Bible should be followed. On the other hand, some assert that if nature intended for same-sex couples to procreate, they would have been capable of reproducing, thus making such legislations “unnatural” or “against nature,” aligning with an absolute interpretation of “Natural Law” that supports a teleological moral perspective. Religious leaders claim that being gay is morally unacceptable and lacks acceptance.
Religious groups contend that individuals who do not embrace their own identities and seek to alter them should not be allowed to raise children. They substantiate this argument by citing the Bible, particularly Leviticus 20:13, which labels homosexuality as an “abomination.” These groups additionally assert that children brought up by same-sex couples are more prone to identify as gay due to being exposed solely to one form of partnership. Consequently, if a considerable segment of society deems homosexual parenting morally unacceptable, it should not be imposed on anyone.
Although the USA is commonly perceived as a nation influenced by Christian principles, there exists an ongoing discussion regarding the preservation of traditional marriage values derived from these teachings. Personally, I hold a different viewpoint from those who perceive homosexuality as immoral and advocate for capital punishment or stoning, as mentioned in biblical scriptures. Instead, I endorse the idea of granting same-sex couples the right to adopt children since it is more aligned with the values of our contemporary society, particularly in the United States. It is crucial to conscientiously evaluate and prioritize what serves the best interests of orphaned children.
Regardless of their sexual orientation, should children be placed with loving parents? Gay individuals are found in different sectors of society, such as teachers, doctors, politicians, scientists, friends, and family members. In today’s culture, being openly gay is generally accepted without repercussions, particularly in the United States. The difficulties experienced by homosexuals trying to obtain legal recognition as parents highlight the importance of parenthood. This value is often overlooked by heterosexual individuals who typically associate parenthood with households consisting of opposite-sex couples.
Despite people’s beliefs, homosexuals have love in their hearts just like anyone else. There is no study or evidence suggesting that a gay couple cannot love and raise a child with the child’s best interest at heart. Additionally, being gay does not imply raising a baby with perversion; this is merely a stereotype. Homosexual individuals who adopt children always do so intentionally and never as a surprise, unlike many heterosexual households where babies are often born “accidentally” or due to poor contraception.
In households where same-sex couples raise children, there is a strong probability of the child experiencing both financial stability and emotional acceptance. This stands in opposition to families where the child was not intended, which may have adverse effects on the child’s welfare in more conventional households. In these situations, the child might face feelings of being unvalued and encounter economic insecurity commonly associated with an unplanned child, leading to a more difficult life. It is arduous to present a convincing case that allowing gay individuals or couples to adopt will lead to a decline in our country’s ethical principles or be considered morally wrong.
Homosexual parents will educate children about the significance of embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as various races, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, and political statuses. This supports the Autonomous Thesis by encouraging independent thinking and highlighting tolerance and acceptance. Regardless of their sexual orientation, a child’s understanding of love is influenced by how their parents inclusively act towards others. Each Walls stated that although there may be allegations regarding the negative impacts of being raised by gay parents, no one has personally approached him to criticize his upbringing by a same-sex couple.
And you know why? Because the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero impact on the content of my character. ” Happiness is a universal right that every child in this world is and should be entitled to. According to Pajama in “An Introduction to Ethics, How We Should Live”, Ethical Relativism teaches us that the validity of moral Judgments depends on cultural acceptance. Here in the US, the gay rights movement has been changing dramatically and each day people are in favor of gay marriages as well as allowing such couples adopt children.
Regardless of cultural differences, Cultural Relativism asserts that this is a cultural distinction. Nevertheless, in the USA, we are advancing and children brought up by gay parents can achieve the same level of normalcy and success as those raised by heterosexual couples. Same-sex households are equally ordinary as any other couple and possess the ability to raise children.
