Same Sex Union Effect on Children?

I live in Washington State in the US and currently there is a referendum for a domestic union law that would give same sex couples the same rights as married couples. Now, I’m strongly in favor of supporting the referendum based on my on ethical beliefs; however the anti-referendum side keeps mentioning that “studies show that children have a healthier social live in traditional marriages.”

Now, I put little stock in statements like that, especially since these anti referendum sites have no actual data posted (and use a number of slippery slope arguments), but since I like to look at every aspect of an issue before I vote on it, I was wondering if anyone here knew of any studies on children in same sex unions and any effects it has on the children.

the studies that have been done say that children of same sex couples do face issues, but they are related to persecution from other children and families and are not to the abilities of homosexuals to raise their children.

Well if children have gay parents, there might be a 40 or 50% chance that the children will grow up to be gay as well but this is just speculation at the moment although I wouldn't be surprised if this is how gay people are increasing these days. A child would do things their parents do because they think if what the parent does is completely alright and in my honest opinion, no it's not. Just because a parent smokes or drinks alcohol doesn't mean that you should do the same as what they're doing.

I've never seen any legit studies showing the children aren't raised correctly.

Originally posted by Autokrat
I live in Washington State in the US and currently there is a referendum for a domestic union law that would give same sex couples the same rights as married couples. Now, I’m strongly in favor of supporting the referendum based on my on ethical beliefs; however the anti-referendum side keeps mentioning that “studies show that children have a healthier social live in traditional marriages.”

Now, I put little stock in statements like that, especially since these anti referendum sites have no actual data posted (and use a number of slippery slope arguments), but since I like to look at every aspect of an issue before I vote on it, I was wondering if anyone here knew of any studies on children in same sex unions and any effects it has on the children.

There are no conclusive or reliable studies done to support either side.

"Study: Same-Sex Parents Raise Well-Adjusted Kids" WebMD

Washington—Children growing up in same-sex parental households do not necessarily have differences in self-esteem, gender identity, or emotional problems from children growing up in heterosexual parent homes.

"Between 1 million and 6 million children in the U.S. are being reared by committed lesbian or gay couples," says Ellen C. Perrin, MD, professor of pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She revealed the findings at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference and Exhibition.

"The vast consensus of all the studies shows that children of same-sex parents do as well as children whose parents are heterosexual in every way," she tells WebMD. "In some ways children of same-sex parents actually may have advantages over other family structures."

Researchers looked at information gleaned from 15 studies on more than 500 children, evaluating possible stigma, teasing and social isolation, adjustment and self-esteem, opposite gender role models, sexual orientation, and strengths.

Studies from 1981 to 1994 . . . found no differences in intelligence, type or prevalence of psychiatric disorders, self-esteem, well-being, peer relationships, couple relationships, or parental stress.

Another study . . . found no differences in behavior, adjustment, gender identity, and peer relationships.

Two other large studies . . . found that same-sex parents also had contact with extended family, had social support, and had a more equitable division of labor in the home.

Children seem to adjust better when there is a more equal division of labor in the home and the parental relationship with the children had a higher rating, she says.

Carol Berkowitz, MD, former president of AAP, says this analysis is important in that it combines evidence-based studies.

"This subject evokes a lot of emotions," she says. "Some of the studies on this subject in the past have been weighted and biased, based on nothing more than the researcher's views."

Evidence-based studies are important in helping pediatricians in their practices and creating policy for the future, she says.

Thanks for all the help.

So we're blaming same sex partners because other people can't raise their kids? Common :/

Originally posted by Nemesis X
Well if children have gay parents, there might be a 40 or 50% chance that the children will grow up to be gay as well but this is just speculation at the moment although I wouldn't be surprised if this is how gay people are increasing these days. A child would do things their parents do because they think if what the parent does is completely alright and in my honest opinion, no it's not. Just because a parent smokes or drinks alcohol doesn't mean that you should do the same as what they're doing.

That was all very odd, but the oddest was the "this is how gay people are increasing these days" statement.

well, come on, if it isn't through adopting and indoctrinating straight kids, how else would people become gay?

Originally posted by inimalist
well, come on, if it isn't through adopting and indoctrinating straight kids, how else would people become gay?

Especially since it is a fact that the gay population has tripled over the last 5 years.

Originally posted by Robtard
That was all very odd, but the oddest was the "this is how gay people are increasing these days" statement.

It sure can't have anything to do with the fact that more and more homosexual people are admitting to their sexual preferences because of increasing social acceptance. Not a damn chance.

^^^
^^
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I suspect some sort of gay-element in the drinking water, god knows the public utilities companies are all gay, as is the steel industry.

Originally posted by ArtificialGlory
It sure can't have anything to do with the fact that more and more homosexual people are admitting to their sexual preferences because of increasing social acceptance. Not a damn chance.

Yeah, something about not being tortured to death is making it a tad easier to come out....just a guess. hmm

Originally posted by Nemesis X
Well if children have gay parents, there might be a 40 or 50% chance that the children will grow up to be gay as well but this is just speculation at the moment although I wouldn't be surprised if this is how gay people are increasing these days. A child would do things their parents do because they think if what the parent does is completely alright and in my honest opinion, no it's not. Just because a parent smokes or drinks alcohol doesn't mean that you should do the same as what they're doing.

Hell no?! This can't be, gay people are raising children to be gay? This is their sick way to increase their ranks and outnumbering us pure and holy one? Nemesis, what do we stop this evil plan?

Originally posted by Wei Phoenix
Hell no?! This can't be, gay people are raising children to be gay? This is their sick way to increase their ranks and outnumbering us pure and holy one? Nemesis, what do we stop this evil plan?

...Are you being sarcastic on me now?

Originally posted by Nemesis X
...Are you being sarcastic on me now?

Why would you think that? Did I not hug you in the VG OTF?! 😠

Originally posted by Adam_PoE

The problem or the issue is not the ''gay'' or ''straight'' parents but the social status, the commitment of adults and their involvement in children's lives.

In order for there to be any proper research done, the percentage of gay parents needs to be proportionally compared to those of straight - they all need to be the same social status, the same financial status, material status, similar if not same educational background, culture...etc.

THEN there will be any reliable evidence on the actual (non)effect of gay parents vs straight parents on children.

Perhaps we should sort out the problem of child neglect and lack of responsibility of those who have children but don't care or don't know how to take care of them, and then move on to things which likely make no difference whatsoever.

My personal guess is, that the child who grows up with the strong adult and a good role model, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or skin colour, and regardless if they're child's natural parents (could be aunts, grandparents, adopted parents...whatever) is the one that will grow up into decent respectable person.

Gay parents make a child fabulous.

Would anyone here want 2 fathers or 2 mothers? I for one am glad I had one of each.