ADOPTION AND HOMOSEXUALITY 1
Adoption and Homosexuality: Position Proposal
Eric Brown
Ivy Tech
Eng. 112 – Exposition & Persuasion
Instructor: Heather Burford
October 21, 2012
For many gay people including couples, foster and adoptive parenting is the foremost alternative whenever they consider starting a family (Patterson & Riskind, 2010). However, gay people are in many instances an untouched resource for the hundreds of thousands of children and youth presently in foster care not to mention many more children with the aspiration of adoption whose parents’ parental rights have in one way or another been terminated (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009; Farr et al., 2010; Patterson & Riskind, 2010). Child welfare custom that encompasses and is affirmative of gays while acknowledging that they can offer family structures that are fit and caring will definitely create opportunities for many children and youth to get the benefit of having family.
Gay families could be a key resource for children and youth in need of homes considering that almost two million gay individuals have the desire to adopt these young ones (Gates et al., 2007). At present, about 65,500 adopted and 14,000 foster children are living with gay parents (Gates et al., 2007). As much as this is a noteworthy achievement, only a small percentage of all adopted and foster children in the United States are represented by this number. Consequently, it is imperative that State policies should unequivocally acknowledge foster parenting by gays and lesbians. Any law that hamper or forbid adoption by non-heterosexual individuals and couples should be withdrawn and applicants should be assessed according to the regular qualifications except sexual orientation. The research seeks show that children brought up in gay and lesbian adoptive family settings fare just as well as those brought up by heterosexual parents.
In addition the research seeks to explore the strategies through which a lot more could be learned and done in order to present agencies with clear cut direction on quality policy and practice in recruiting, assessing, preparing and supporting gay and lesbian foster and adoptive parents as well as children. The aim of this study is to examine the social and legal implications of gay adoption and its impact on ability of gays and lesbians to provide foster homes. To achieve the goals of this research, a qualitative rather than a quantitative research method of investigation is selected. This is because it will then be possible to understand the research problem from the perspectives of the population it involves. The qualitative method will also be effective in getting hold of culturally specific information about the values, opinions, behaviors, and social contexts of the particular populations.References
"Adoption Absurdity.”Advocate 1052 (2011): 13. Academic.
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
ADOPTION AND HOMOSEXUALITY .docx
1. ADOPTION AND HOMOSEXUALITY
1
Adoption and Homosexuality: Position Proposal
Eric Brown
Ivy Tech
Eng. 112 – Exposition & Persuasion
Instructor: Heather Burford
October 21, 2012
For many gay people including couples, foster and adoptive
parenting is the foremost alternative whenever they consider
starting a family (Patterson & Riskind, 2010). However, gay
people are in many instances an untouched resource for the
hundreds of thousands of children and youth presently in foster
care not to mention many more children with the aspiration of
adoption whose parents’ parental rights have in one way or
another been terminated (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, 2009; Farr et al., 2010; Patterson & Riskind, 2010).
Child welfare custom that encompasses and is affirmative of
gays while acknowledging that they can offer family structures
that are fit and caring will definitely create opportunities for
many children and youth to get the benefit of having family.
Gay families could be a key resource for children and
youth in need of homes considering that almost two million gay
individuals have the desire to adopt these young ones (Gates et
2. al., 2007). At present, about 65,500 adopted and 14,000 foster
children are living with gay parents (Gates et al., 2007). As
much as this is a noteworthy achievement, only a small
percentage of all adopted and foster children in the United
States are represented by this number. Consequently, it is
imperative that State policies should unequivocally
acknowledge foster parenting by gays and lesbians. Any law
that hamper or forbid adoption by non-heterosexual individuals
and couples should be withdrawn and applicants should be
assessed according to the regular qualifications except sexual
orientation. The research seeks show that children brought up
in gay and lesbian adoptive family settings fare just as well as
those brought up by heterosexual parents.
In addition the research seeks to explore the strategies
through which a lot more could be learned and done in order to
present agencies with clear cut direction on quality policy and
practice in recruiting, assessing, preparing and supporting gay
and lesbian foster and adoptive parents as well as children. The
aim of this study is to examine the social and legal implications
of gay adoption and its impact on ability of gays and lesbians to
provide foster homes. To achieve the goals of this research, a
qualitative rather than a quantitative research method of
investigation is selected. This is because it will then be possible
to understand the research problem from the perspectives of the
population it involves. The qualitative method will also be
effective in getting hold of culturally specific information about
the values, opinions, behaviors, and social contexts of the
particular populations.References
"Adoption Absurdity.”Advocate 1052 (2011): 13. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.
Chapman, Steve. RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay Adoption:
The Real Agenda. RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay
Adoption: The Real Agenda. 30 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 May
2012.
Farr, R. H., Forssell, S. L., & Patterson, C. J. (2010). Parenting
3. and Child Development in Adoptive Families: Does Parental
Sexual Orientation Matter? Applied Developmental
Science, 10, 164 - 178.
Gates, G., Badgett, L.M.V., Macomber, J.E., Chambers, K.
(2007). Adoption and Foster Care by Lesbian and Gay
Parents in the United States. The Williams Institute, UCLA
School of Law & The Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.
Retrieved August 4, 2010, from:
http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411437_Adoption_Fos
ter_Care.pdf
Goldberg, Abbie E., and JuliAnna Z. Smith. "Stigma, Social
Context, And Mental Health: Lesbian And Gay Couples Across
The Transition To Adoptive Parenthood." Journal Of Counseling
Psychology 58.1 (2011): 139-150. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 3 June 2012.
Patterson, C. J. & Riskind, R. G. (2010). To be a Parent: Issues
in Family Formation Among Gay and Lesbian Adults. Journal
of GLBT Family Studies, 6, 326 - 340.
United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(2010). Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender health. Retrieved
from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
References
Baldrige, L. (1993). Letitia Baldrige’s new complete guide to
executive manners. New York: Rawson Associates.
Berse, M. (2010, October 24). Protein man. Forbes, 154(2), 64-
66.
City of Corpus Christi. (n.d.). Tips to reduce, reuse, and
recycle. Retrieved from http://www.primenet.com/cig-cin/erh.pl
Hien, D., & Honeyman, T. (2011). A closer look at the drug
abuse-maternal aggression link. Journal of Interpersonal
4. Violence, 15(2), 503-522. doi:10.1080/08832320903449485
Hien, D., & Honeyman, T. (2010). A closer look at the drug
abuse-maternal aggression link. Journal of Interpersonal
Violence, 15(2), 503-522. Retrieved from http://proquest.
Umi.com/pqdweb?did=991049041%sid=1&Fmt=4&clientID=10
0&RQT=309&Vname
Tips to reduce, reuse, and recycle. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.primenet.com/cig-cin/erh.pl
Wilson, R. (2011, January 15). State offers more perks. Corpus
Christi Caller-Times, p. D1.
Additional Information on APA Citations
American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition. (2009).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
In-text citations: pp. 170-192
Reference page citations: pp. 193-224
APA Tutorial (21 minutes):
http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/basics-tutorial.aspx
Click here to review Diana Hacker's APA list of
referencescitation guide.
Click here to review Diana Hacker's APA in-text citation guide.
Click here to review Purdue University's Online Writing Lab
(APA Info.)
�
5. �
�
� With DOI #
� Without DOI #--With Document URL
�
�
In-text Citations
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Miller, 2012).
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Miller & Jones, 2012).
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Miller, Jones, & Wilson, 2012).
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
8. �Paraphrased information from a source with three authors.
�Paraphrased information from a source with an unknown
author (place the first few words of the title inside quotation
marks).
�Paraphrased information from two sources (separate the
citations with a semicolon).
�Short quotation (<40 words); author’s name not placed in the
signal phrase; need to include a page #.
�Short quotation (<40 words); author’s name placed in the
signal phrase; need to include a page #.
�Short quotation taken from an electronic source (Internet,
electronic database, etc.); author’s name not placed in the signal
phrase; include the paragraph #.
�Short quotation taken from an electronic source (Internet,
electronic database, etc.); if headings used, indicate the
paragraph # below the heading.
9. �Long quotation (>40 words) ; author’s name not placed in the
signal phrase; do not use quotation marks—instead block the
quoted material.
�Long quotation (>40 words) ; author’s name placed in the
signal phrase; do not use quotation marks—instead block the
quoted material.
�Personal communication (i.e., interview); cite within the
report—do not cite on the references page.
Documentation Assignment
1. Locate one full-text article from each of these categories: (a)
article found through electronic database--no author indicated,
(b) article found through electronic database--one author
indicated, (c) article found through electronic database--more
than one author indicated, and (d) article found through the
Internet (# of authors does not matter).2.
Place the citations for the requested sources (A-D below) under
the appropriate headings on pages 3-7 of this file.
A. Provide the information below for each of the four articles
obtained in Instruction 1:
Paraphrase of an idea from the source. The paraphrase must
contain at least two sentences and an APA-formatted in-text
citation.
B. Provide the information below for one of the articles
10. obtained in Instruction 1:
Short Quotation (fewer than 40 words). The short quotation
must contain a signal phrase and an APA-formatted in-text
citation.
C. Provide the information below for one of the articles
obtained in Instruction 1:
Long Quotation (more than 40 words). The long quotation must
contain a signal phrase and an APA-formatted in-text citation.
D. Create a reference page that contain APA-formatted
reference page citations for each of the articles obtained in
Instruction 1.
3. Adhere to the usual assignment instructions. Each student
must complete and submit his or her own assignment; copying
passages from other students or other sources--or allowing
someone else to copy--is not allowed.
4. Delete the instructions pages (first three pages) of this
assignment sheet before submitting the completed assignment.
All that needs to be submitted is the final five pages that
contain your citations to the requested items.
5. Post your completed assignment to turnitin.com
(“Documentation Assignment”) before the posted assignment
deadline:
Friday, October 26, 11:55 p.m
This assignment may be submitted after the posted deadline;
however, 2 points per day (weekend days included) will be
deducted.
The purpose of this assignment is to reinforce students’
knowledge of proper documentation. Therefore, students who
submit any plagiarized passages (even 1 sentence) will receive 0
points on the assignment. Students who receive 0 points,
however, may submit an entirely new assignment (4 different
11. articles) for half credit.Plagiarism Review
In most cases, material from another source should be
paraphrased rather than copied directly from the source. On the
rare occasion that an author’s direct wording is used, the direct
quotation requires both an in-text citation and quotation marks
placed around the quoted material in short quotations (fewer
than 40 words) and blocked (without quotation marks) in longer
quotations. If one or both of those elements are missing, the
passage has been plagiarized.
Material that has been submitted for an earlier assignment may
not be submitted again for a later assignment. Material that has
already been submitted for another assignment would be
considered “self plagiarism.”Please review the “Original
Source” with the two plagiarized samples illustrated below:
Original Source
NASA announced plans Wednesday to embark on a mammoth
20-year project to send a spacecraft to Jupiter's ice-covered
moon Europa as its next flagship mission to search for life
elsewhere in the solar system.
The mission, which could cost as much as $3 billion, will be
managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada
Flintridge. It will focus on the possibility that in the gigantic
ocean thought to be hidden under the moon's thick cover of ice
is a habitable zone where rudimentary forms of life could exist.
Johnson. J. (2009, February 19). It’s all systems go for Europa.
Los Angeles Times.Retrieved from
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/
nation/la-na-europa19-2009feb19,0,5770757.storyPlagiarized
Passage #1 (does not contain quotation marks for a short direct
quotation)
An expert noted, the mission, which could cost as much as $3
billion, will be managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La
Cañada Flintridge (Johnson, 2009, para. 1).Plagiarized Passage
#2 (does not contain an in-text citation)
12. An expert noted “the mission, which could cost as much as $3
billion, will be managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La
Cañada Flintridge.”
Article Found Through Database—No Author Identified
Article Found Through Database—One Author
Article Found Through Database—Two (or More) Authors
Article Found on Internet
References
Adoption and Homosexuality: Legislating the Family
Eric Brown
Ivy Tech Community College
English 112
Heather Burford
October 19, 2012
Adoption and Homosexuality: Legislating the Family
One of the most prominent social issues on the
contemporary US political agenda is the civil and political
rights of homosexual couples. While this debate tends to focus
on the rights of same sex couples to marry, there is another
linked question; should same sex couples be allowed to adopt a
child? This decision could be viewed as legislation of the
family and raises questions about how far political and private
policies should be allowed to restrict the ability of an individual
13. to pursue a family unit. In this exploratory paper I will consider
the various positions on the subject of same-sex couples
adopting and think about the ways in which various groups posit
their opinions on the subject. I conclude that, as with gay
marriage, the ability of the state or private organizations to
legislate the private sphere should not be allowed. Homosexual
couples, just like heterosexual couples or single parents can
provide a stable, loving home for a child. Therefore, just like
heterosexual couples or single parents they should not be barred
from the process of adoption or fostering.
It has been noted in the past that, regardless of the stand an
individual takes, they tend to claim that they seek the best for
the children involved (Chapman, 2008). How can it be that two
diametrically opposing positions both genuinely consider the
needs of the child primary? Are they both correct or are there
broader agendas at play? It is clear that the debate over gay
adoption is riddled with rhetoric that relates to broader issues
regarding the rights of gay couples. Those opposing such
adoptions often refer to same sex households as “recruitment” –
suggesting, despite research demonstrating the contrary, that a
gay couple will influence their own child’s sexuality. The use of
recruitment demonstrates a broader concern than just the
protection of the child in question (Adoption Absurdity, 2011).
The position against gay adoption is perhaps best personified by
the position of religious organizations, such as the Catholic
Church.
The Church has for many years been involved with the foster
and adoption system and so plays an active role in the debate
over same sex couples adopting. Almost universally, Catholic
adoption and foster agencies will not allow a child to be
adopted by a same sex couple (though it must be noted that
many also exclude single parents as well). The argument for
excluding such couples is twofold. There primary concern is the
morality of homosexuality; as a religious organization such
agencies must follow the tenets of the religion. In the case of
the Catholic Church homosexuality is viewed as unacceptable
14. and so same sex adoption is similarly unacceptable (Adoption
Absurdity, 2011). It is interesting to note that concern for the
child and larger agendas could be working simultaneously in the
case of the Catholic Church. If the overall position is that
homosexuality is morally wrong, then they could argue that
“exposing” the child to such behaviors is also morally wrong.
This is where such terms as “recruitment” are often used.
However, if we are to accept this “corruption” based argument
as valid (and I am by no means suggesting that I do) then surely
it is necessary to consider the sociological and psychological
assessment of homosexual family units to gage whether such
“corruption” actually takes place.
In recent years there has been fairly extensive research on the
psychological and social effects of growing up in a homosexual
household. Such research has generally not supported the idea
that a child’s sexuality is likely to be influenced by that of their
adoptive parents (Pemberton, 2012). I would actually draw an
example from my own life here, though in reverse; I was
adopted by heterosexual parents but identify as homosexual.
Since many homosexual children are the products of
heterosexual parents should the same not be true in reverse?
One aspect of concern raised by these studies that does seem
valid is the social pressures upon children by their peers during
their childhood. The idea that a child might be teased about
their parents is certainly a relevant issue, when both sides posit
concern for child welfare in their rhetoric. Many children face
teasing and other problems for a variety of reasons and so this
alone should not prohibit same sex couples from adopting.
Overall the medical community and the research into
developmental psychology do not clearly demonstrate that same
sex couples inherently harm the stability of an adopted child.
Indeed it was this type of research that was used in Florida to
support the legalization of same sex adoption (Pemberton,
2012).
Finally I turn to perhaps the most obvious position; the fight to
secure homosexual adoption rights by gay rights groups. Here
15. the position is simple; homosexual couples, just like any other
couple, should be allowed to adopt a child, as long as they
fulfill other requirements (such as financial checks). They argue
that homosexual parents are just as capable of raising happy,
well-adjusted children as heterosexual couples (Chapman,
2008). They also point out that there are many children in foster
care waiting to find homes, particularly older children. If a
suitable couple should be able to provide a stable home, is it
fair to the child to prohibit it based upon the sexual orientation
of the child?
My own opinion on this topic is, obviously, colored by my own
experiences. I am both gay and adopted so it is a topic that is
very important to me. I can see that both sides tend to base their
opinion on whether they believe that homosexuality is
“morally” right or wrong. However, I would argue that, given
the lack of substantive evidence for morality, this is a case
where it is necessary to turn to more subjective measures if
possible. Regardless of your opinion of the morals of
homosexuality, scientific and social research has quite clearly
demonstrated that single sex couples can raise stable, well-
adjusted children. Surely then, this research, which has less of
an agenda one way or the other, is more likely to provide us
with the “best thing for the child”. Based on the rhetoric being
used this suggests that all parties should support same sex
adoption and, while I accept the rights of private agencies to
place limits on foster parents, I strongly believe that prohibiting
same sex couples from adopting should not be allowed from a
legal perspective.
References
Chapman, Steve. (2008) "RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay
Adoption: The Real Agenda." RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay
Adoption: The Real Agenda.
"Adoption Absurdity." Advocate 1052 (2011): 13. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.
Pemberton, Camilla. (2012) "Support For Gay Adoptive
16. Parents." Community Care 18.14 : 20-21.
"Adoption Absurdity."Advocate 1052 (2011): 13. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.
This is an article review of how can the Catholic Church say its
protecting children while throwing out hundreds of adoption and
foster care cases? This is a case of the end of a century old
partnership between the Roman Catholic Church and the state of
Illinois. The Catholic Church officials decided to move out of
foster care areas and adoption issues. The church is against
same sex couple marriages and does not recognize them to be
parents so is against issuing adoption and foster care to them.
The same sex couples, who have civil union rights in the state
of Illinois, say that this is prejudice on the part of the church
which says that it is a violation of the constitutionally protected
religious beliefs. Many states in the USA have now recognized
same sex couples right to marriage and this has become a
common ground for anti-gay activists for championing state run
adoption and foster care homes. The National Organization for
Marriage's Maggie Gallagher, one of the most vocal opponents
of gay marriage says that if same sex couple move for equal
rights they will be hurting children and put many foster care
homes out of business
It is seen that in the state of Illinois, where the catholic church
which handles one out of every seven cases of adoption gives up
its stake on this the private adoption homes are willing to carry
out the same with the catholic church moving out of this, the
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services handed
over the same to a private care centre which handled 300 cases
in weeks. The other catholic dioceses which sued to be
exempted from this civil union law have received temporary
injunction till their cases are heard in august.
It has been increasingly felt that the catholic dioceses have done
enough service to the child welfare services and it would not be
17. good if they leave but, their religious commitment refuses to
accept same sex couple marriage which is since then a union
civil liberties law and hence against their beliefs.
I am shocked by this. I knew from growing up Catholic that
their view points on homosexual lifestyles wasn’t that friendly
but I had no idea they went into all of this. My family, both
immediate and extended comes from a Catholic background but
luckily for my situation it is far from some of the extreme cases
you hear about. My family has shown me nothing but love and
support, yes they are Catholic, but they know what to believe in
and when to “draw the line” so to speak. It is very scary that we
live in a world that is still largely run by the Catholic Church.
The same people that teach “love thy neighbor” are the same
ones that are quick to say but not “those neighbors.”
********************************************
Goldberg, Abbie E., and JuliAnna Z. Smith. "Stigma, Social
Context, And Mental Health: Lesbian And Gay Couples Across
The Transition To Adoptive Parenthood." Journal Of Counseling
Psychology 58.1 (2011): 139-150. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 3 June 2012.
It is always a stressful experience on the part of the gay and
lesbian couples to live in a world dominated by heterosexual
population. The turmoil and the solution to the turmoil of the
non-heterosexual couples in the respect of stepping into the
realm of parenthood through the means of adoption has been
meticulously conveyed in the article Stigma, Social Context,
and Mental Health: Lesbian and Gay Couples Across the
Transition to Adoptive Parenthood by Smith and Goldberg.
Besides, the authors have also pointed out the pathetic condition
of the non-heterosexual individuals which they face while
leading life in a heterosexist world. The first and foremost
problem which the non-heterosexual minority has to face is the
imposition of the undue stigma on their non-heterosexual form
of behavior by the heterosexual majority. The perverted
endeavor of the heterosexual majority in the U.S society in
specific and in the international societies in general to
18. contradict and disparage any non-heterosexual form of identity,
community or relationship has also been highlighted in the
discussion. The authors have stressed on the fact that the
heterosexual community acts as a pivotal antithesis to the
natural concept of non-heterosexual orientation and the
institutionalized heterosexism always tend to promote antigay
legislations which always pose a threat to the wellbeing of the
non-heterosexual minority across the world.
It is noteworthy that through their inhuman efforts
institutionalized heterosexism is always tending to formulate
law restricting marriages between gay or lesbian couples and
the heterosexual majority is even standing against the process of
adoption of children by same-sex couples. Now, that is sheer
inhumanity. And hence, the authors emphasize on the fact that
the wellbeing of the non-heterosexual community depends
largely upon the cooperation of the heterosexual community as
because, if the heterosexual community carries on pressurizing
the non-heterosexual individuals in such perverted manners then
the latter are sure to lose their mental stability which will in
turn deteriorate their mental health. The authors conclude that
like the biological heterosexual parents the non-heterosexual
parents also go through phases of emotional changes while
becoming parents through adoption for the first time. Hence,
every human being, for the sake of humanity should render
proper cooperation and healthy treatment towards the non-
heterosexual couples and by doing so, the proper balance can be
maintained in the human society and the non-heterosexual
individuals will be able to enjoy their fundamental human
rights.
********************************************
Chapman, Steve. "RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay Adoption:
The Real Agenda." RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay Adoption:
The Real Agenda. 30 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.
The article explains that there is a need for stable families and
love for children and this may not be available to them in case
of gay adoption. Moreover since they require social stability in
19. case of adoption it becomes crucial that they are in a position
that they can take care of the child and this may or may not be
possible that there be stability availed to the child in case of a
gay adoption.
Moreover as gay adoption is not legal and there are several
obstacles that can come into gay adoption then it can result in
creating issues in raising the child. Having explored the notion,
"To Parent or Not to Parent," the three things that I believe a
person should consider in making this life changing decision
include lifestyle, quality of time spent with the child and the
child’s need and acceptance. This may or may not be available
and possible in case of gay adoption and hence it results in
there being several issues in gay adoption. Moreover it also
results in quite a lot of instability and stress which will impact
the life of the child.
Stress and being busy can make the child feel unwanted and
rejected. It is extremely important that parents and children
spend quality time with each other in order to understand the
feelings and needs of each other better. It is important that they
try and understand the views of each other and also that the
parents communicate to their children in a kind and loving way
in order to be able to make them feel accepted and not rejected.
A mother is essential in a child’s life and more so when
adopted. Social influences and what the children observe as
well as the quality of care is what influence early child
development most.
********************************************
Pemberton, Camilla. "Support For Gay Adoptive Parents."
Community Care 1814 (2010): 20-21. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 3 June 2012.
This article explains gay adoption as a concept where
psychology as well as sociology is extremely essential. In cases
of there being gay adoption it results in several issues as gay
parenting differs from parenting other children. Moreover in
case of gay parenting it results in a responsibility to help the
child be able to understand as well as be understood. Adopting
20. children is a task of huge responsibility since bringing them up
requires a lot of dedication and efforts. In case of gay parents it
becomes very difficult to explain to the child that they are
different and need to explain to the child in an extremely
sensitive manner.
It becomes crucial for the parents to understand the sensitivity
of the issue. It is not just the legal aspects which are important
and can cause an obstruction but it is also the sensitive aspects
of gay adoption and gay parenting that matter. Moreover
stability is a very important thing for children in a younger age.
When adoption of young children takes place, they would
already be facing a distress of adjusting in a new environment
as well as formation of a new family. Gay adoption then
becomes more and more complicated. Moreover there may be
cases where the child, adopted at an older age, may think they
need and yearn for a “mother.” They might want all that a
mother does, which they might think would not be possible in
the case of gay adoption, and not understand and that a gay
parent and/or parents can do the same thing. It is quite possible
that gay parents may not be able to give children the required
social stability as well since the child might not be mature
enough to understand the concept of gay adoption or protect
them from bullying and social issues that comes with this. There
are several problems and situations that can arise from gay
adoption, since the child would grow in a very different
environment, which may result in mental distress. Being gay
and adopted myself this is very hard to say but it is the truth, a
child growing up in this situation would be faced with many
challenges along the way as well as they gay adoptee parent(s).
********************************************
Lindenberger, Michael A. "The Fight Over Gay Adoption Heats
Up." Time. Time, 26 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.
Discrimination against gays has been expressly forbidden across
all the states in North America. Gay marriages for instance is
slowly being recognized, a good illustration is at Massachusetts
Supreme Court where it was made legal. Gay adoption has also
21. won the battle and a state judge in Miami tossed out a statute
that had barred gays from adopting. Although these are plusses
for such a topic, it is still a minor thing on such a major road.
Many people are living their lives according to their sexuality
and give their preference according to their views. Many people
are leading life abundantly by same-sex marriage. By gay
adoption, the children who are poorer, and who don’t have
parents will get all the facilities they need, especially parents’
love. It is extremely necessary for children while they are in
important developmental years to experience this love and will
also get a much better future in for their life.
The gay issues and gay adoption are highly sensitive matters
because it considers the physiological conditions. When
Massachusetts court made it legal the other courts began to
recognize gay rights. Many states including Massachusetts,
California, New York, New Jersey and Maryland already
expressed positive views about gays seeking to adopt. Some
other States allow gay adoption without specific legislation. The
States that prohibited gay adoption had an extremely hard time
refusing gay adoption approved by other States. Gay adoption
takes an explicit ruling by a judge. The adoption rulings are the
kinds of decisions that have been designed by the US
Constitution’s under the “Full Faith and Credit” clause.
Unlike gay marriages, gay adoption campaigns face a more
difficult process. Normally marriage licenses are administrative
in nature and are based on the constitutional protection of
different states but child adoption rulings are based on the
decision that the U.S. Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit
Clause are meant to protect. The executive director of National
Lesbian and Gay Law Association said, “Gay and lesbian are
willing to have to fight for foster adoption and the Court has
stood up for the majority of this right”.
But if the Court and supporters continue to reach conflicting
notions then the fight could be for a long time. The supporters
said “We are looking for changes in the hearts of American
peoples, and we are the parts of their community, and we can
22. become loving parents.” Many conservatives are striving to
fight against gay adoption. They have decided that facing the
ballot box is the most preferred method to use compared to
taking the issue to be tackled in the courthouse. The same
conservatives have managed to pass votes in many states; this
has led to 45 states in North America to declare gay marriages
expressly illegal.
********************************************
Price, Rita. "Gay Families Struggle to Safeguard Adopted
Kids." The Columbus Dispatch. 27 May 2012. Web. 29 May
2012.
The article explains the issues that exist in case of gay adoption
and gay parenting which are not only legal issues but also
several psychological and social issues. There are several
problems that can arise as a gay couple would need to struggle
in order to take care of an adopted child. It becomes very
difficult for them to be able to understand the needs of the child
and also explain to the child that they are gay. In case of
societal acceptance and self-esteem as well, the child may have
certain problems and may not be able to cope with the
psychological pressures that come in as a part of being in a
family without a mother. As a child is extremely sensitive and
needs to be cared for with a lot of effort, in case of a gay family
he may not receive the care and security.
Moreover gay parents also need to struggle to raise an adopted
child as they are not able to cope up with the pressures of child
adoption. Moreover there may also be several problems that the
child faces while growing up as he does not get the care and
love from a mother but is required to accept two fathers.
Moreover legal acceptance in case of gay parents and gay
adoption is not very common. The laws for adoption is still
skeptical in case of same sex couples since they doubt the
stability and love that the child can get in a normal house and a
normal family where a mother and a father take care of the
child.In this way it becomes very important for the child and the
parents to create effective communication and only then will the
23. laws are able to change and accept same sex parents or gay
adoption.
********************************************
Stone, Andrea. "Both Sides on Gay Adoption Cite Concern for
Children." USA Today. Gannett, 20 Feb. 2006. Web. 29 May
2012.
The court of law, when asked to comment about it, is almost
silent about homosexuality and gay adoption. It is as they don’t
even want to “touch these issues.” The gay experts and
advocates however say there are many cases pending in
Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee about gay adoption.
The executive director of the Family Equality Center in Boston
said that, “they were bringing this issue to the attention of the
American people, “and were likely to use a similar strategy
when it comes to parenting issues. Gay marriage is expressed to
be illegal in 45 states. The argument about gay adoption is more
difficult than the argument about gay marriage. Gay adoption is
an emotional and psychological matter and in such cases the
court sees what they think is “best for the child.” Most children
in foster homes have a scarred past as they have mostly been
exposed to frequent abuse and neglect, this is clearly portrayed
by the story of Michael in Oregon who had been molested and
because of this had lost emotional touch. He refused to be
hugged by anyone for four years. As an impact of his behavior,
nobody had stepped up to adopt him. Birtcher and his partner
O’Reilley wanted to adopt the child but the law did not allow
because they were gay.
In North America, over 520,000 children are in foster care,
according to North America Council on Adoptable Children.
120,000 children are put on adoption but only 50,000 find
homes or families. This leaves 70,000 children in foster homes
to be left out. These shows that families that can adopt the
children are not enough, while gays who are willing to adopt are
not allowed. Many gays would prefer to adopt a child who is, in
lack of a better word, classified as a “reject” because they
understand and feel how it is like to be the odd one out and
24. classified as such.
The gay adoption issue will soon face the ballot if the
legislators do not act says Rev. Russel Johnson Chairman of the
Ohio Restoration Project. He is the one who spearheaded the
fight against gay marriage on the ballot in 2004. The general
public also has had a vote on this and a recent poll showed that
58% of Missouri voters and 62% of Ohio voters said they would
definitely vote against it.
********************************************
Ruggeri, Amanda. "Emerging Gay Adoption Fight Shares Battle
Lines of Same-Sex Marriage Debate."US News. U.S.News &
World Report, 31 Oct. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.
The state of Florida allows gays to become foster parents but
ban them from adopting. This is an example of a case
experienced by Frank Gill who wants to adopt two boys to
whom he has fostered since 2004. In the states of Mississippi
and Utah, they have also put a ban on adoption (Ruggeri par.1,
2).
There is no evidence showing that gay parents harm
children. But many conservatives argue that it’s always in the
best interest of the child to have both a mother and a father. In
North America only 3 states do not allow gay adoption, 12
states allow gay adoption while the rest 33 states are not sure
yet if the adoption petition might be a success.
Gays can find it easy to adopt since many courts treat it
differently for singles versus couples. But this issue is tricky
since in nearly 22 states it is not clear if both partners can
legally adopt one child. In the long run this can leave the child
with some crucial legal protections because if one of the parents
dies the child might not get security from the other.
Advocates have argued that the issue of gay adoption should be
decided only in the courtroom. Currently, the results in Florida
and Arkansas indicate that the fighting has begun against gay
adoption. The gay right supporters and conservatives are ready
to fight back. The executive director of National Lesbian and
Gay Law Association said “Gay and lesbian are willing to have
25. a fight for foster adoption and regular adoption and the Court
has stood up for the majority right”. But if the Court and
supporters are to continue to reach conflicting results, the fight
could be for a long run. The supporters said “We are looking for
change in the hearts of the American people and making them
understand that we are like them, and part of their community,
we worry about homework and being lovely parents.”
*************************************************
Kellard, James. "Gay Marriage Should Be Legal." Gay
Marriage. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press,
2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Do We Have a Constitutional Right
to Ban Gay Marriage?" 2011. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In
Context. Web. 29 July 2012.
Gay marriage has always been a topic of speculation and in the
olden times a topic of condemnation as well. There are many
views on this topic which are mostly against it. Most religions
are not supportive of this idea and there seem to be many
practical obstacles to it as well. People will have tough time
accepting it, because it is not the ideal thing to do but that does
not mean that it is the wrong thing to do. We expect a child to
be raised by a mother and a father but if he/she gets a disturbed
and abusive childhood among them, it is better that they should
be raised with a loving gay couple.
Gay marriage should be legalized as they are not a threat to the
society, because if two people are ready to spend their life with
each other in harmony, there is no need of the outside world or
religion to interfere in it. They are far better than the violent
households in which heterosexual couples fight and get violent
with each other. It is also said that it is against the institution of
marriage which is the communion of a man and a woman. In the
purest of sense it should be done when a man and a woman love
each other but today this is not the case. Many couple gets
married for money, protection or just something as materialistic
as a medical insurance. In the given scenario it is quite unlikely
that the institution of marriage has attained the same respect as
26. before. On the contrary, gay couples marry out of love. Any
couple whether homosexual or heterosexual wants to get
married for the sake of love and companionship should be
legalized and respected. This is not about religion as no religion
supports violence or condemnation when two people
irrespective of gender are ready to live in peace.
The conclusion should be to allow the gay couples to get
married and should not be given any extra hype than any normal
heterosexual marriage. The unwanted publicity created around
these marriages makes it more awkward for the gay couples to
live happily as they are almost treated as an outcast who have
done something outrageously wrong. There are no religious
justifications to support that they are not normal. Almost every
religion preaches to live in peace and harmony without
disturbing anyone. Gay couples are not a threat or bad
influence, the people just need to open themselves to the idea.
*****************************************************
********
Charlotte J. Patterson, Duke J., Gender L., Adoption of minor
children by lesbian and gay adults: A Social science
perspective, June 1995.
The article deals with the adoption of minor children by gays
and lesbians. Although many of the jurisdictions do not allow
this to happen, but these types of cases do occur and there is no
harm in having gays and lesbians as parents of the children. The
main motive is to provide the child a healthy environment which
is accomplished.
Gays and lesbians can be fine parents to children and it has
been proven by some of the complicated cases as well that they
are sometimes better than the biological parents. It is important
to discuss here that sometimes the claim to biological parents
have been denied and the adoption is done by the homosexual
parents as it was found to be in the best consequences of the
situation. The claims were terminated on ethical grounds and
their biological parents were not found to be competent enough
to take care of the children on moral and ethical issues. These
27. kind of cases reflect a face of the society which is very bad as
people condemn homosexual people for not being normal, but
they are perfectly fine people and equal status should be given
to them as they are liable to have a good life and they are very
good parents instead.
Homosexuality is a sensitive and controversial topic ever since.
It has known to face oppression and public humiliation from
olden times. Though things are getting better now-a-days, but
there was a long period for which homosexuality has been
considered a source of utter condemnation. Though in changing
times they have been accepted in the society but still they have
a long way to go and thus it is important that they are given
every right to behave and allowed to interact in a manner every
heterosexual couple is dealt in the society. This article is giving
information in that regard as it is a good step that in some
jurisdiction it is acceptable that the parents of an adopted child
shall be homosexual. It has got deeper implications as an
increase level of faith in homosexuals which were not the case
in olden times. Gays and lesbians had seen a tough time fighting
for their rights but if not immediately, then gradually they are
crawling towards attaining that goal.
This article has some controversial cases as well where the
rights of the biological parents were not terminated yet the child
was adopted by the homosexual couples. These are the example
that people are getting more and more open towards accepting
the idea of gays and lesbians as extremely normal level headed
people who can be totally trusted with children and they can be
really good and loving parents to children. People still have
their reservation for homosexual people as they have not been
given equal status in the society. They are treated as outcaste
and so are still fighting for their identity. They are far better
than the people who don’t treat children well and leave them
alone which in some cases happen to be the biological parents
of the child. There should be every right given to a homosexual
parent as that of a heterosexual parent.
28. Sheet1Counter Argument EvaluationEnglish
112Name:CriteriaPoints EarnedPoints PossiblePercent
GradeCommentsI.Introduction/Purpose/Focus/Clarity15Identifie
s specific issue (shows claim) that is arguable and
debatableClear sense of purpose and audienceNo digression
from topicMedia-based does not omit important
informationMedia-based draws audience into
presentationII.Organization/Coherence20Logical and clear
progressionAppropriate to claim developmentSuccessful
transitional/cohesive devicesUses main and subordinate
ideasAcknowledges opposing views of the claimIntroduction
and conclusion effectively related to wholeMedia graphics
assist and enhance overall argumentMedia-based is visually
appealing and contributes to messageIII.Style/Writing
Conventions15Clarity and command of academic writing
conventionsError frequency and/or type does not distract from
the overall effectivenessFew errors in grammar and
mechanicsAccurate word choiceMedia text is appropriate to the
length and target audienceIV.Critical Thinking20Essay
effectively addresses diverse audienceEffectively addresses
most significant viewpointsSynthesis of ideas competently
conveyedV.References20Sources not merely present, but
contribute to the writer's purpose/focusSources presented in
such a way as to represent others' intellectual property
accurately, fairly, appropriately and consistentlySources follow
MLA or APA style of documentation consistentlyVI.Meets
Criteria of Assignment10Meets MLA or APA format guidelines;
or media presentation conceptsMeets assignment criteria, 250-
500 wordsVII.Total01000%NOTE: The project will not be
accepted if the number and type of sources are incorrect, if the
length does not meet minimum standards, and if there are no in-
text citations or Works Cited/Reference page.
