The Effects on Children
In Same Sex Marriages
Until recently, when questioned for a definition of family, one would respond that a family is a man and a woman living together with their children, or something to such an effect. However, this definition does not hold in today’s society. The definition of family has come to represent many different forms, most especially because of the rise in same-sex marriages with children. Continued growth in social acceptance of such families has wiped out the rigid lines once placed around the term family. Legally, same-sex marriages are gaining rights once reserved only for heterosexual families. Nevertheless, there are some who question the effect of having homosexual parents can have on a child. This paper will examine several aspects of development in children from same-sex families in comparison to those raised in heterosexual families.
Legally, same-sex couples have overcome many barriers throughout the world. In Quebec, considered to be one of the most liberal in the world concerning homosexual rights, civil unions between same sex couples are legally allowed. As well, homosexual couples have legal rights in adoption and fertility matters. Whereas before when birth certificates allowed only a mother and father’s name, today both parents can have their names on the certificate, even if they are of the same sex. Instead of mother and father, the certificate now says parent twice, the Netherlands, also considered equalitarian in homosexual matters, was the first country to legally recognize marriages between same-sex couples. All legal rights and benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples are given to same-sex ones as well as ability to adopt (class notes).
