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Debate Info

402
182
Yes, gays should adopt No, gays should not adopt
Debate Score:584
Arguments:227
Total Votes:769
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes, gays should adopt (145)
 
 No, gays should not adopt (83)

Debate Creator

PhonyTail(15) pic



Gay Adoption

Alright, so here is the issue at hand:

Some people say that children need a mother and a father to raise us, to give us both viewpoints of gender: masculinity, femininity and all the issues those entail. However, there are others who say that gender does not matter when it comes to child rearing; two women (or two men)  can do just as well as a man and a woman.

What is your take on this issue?

Yes, gays should adopt

Side Score: 402
VS.

No, gays should not adopt

Side Score: 182
18 points

It's not really that gays should adopt, but it's just that I don't care.

As long as the parents aren't messed up and the kid comes out of childhood OK, it's not my place to say whether they can or can't adopt.

That's really the only thing that should matter to anyone.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Tugman(749) Disputed
1 point

You should care. What if the kid thinks that everyone has two Daddies or two mommies. How are they going to adequately explain the "birds and the bees?"

Side: No, gays should not adopt
frenchieak(1132) Disputed
9 points

Why should I care? Explain one reason why I should care, as I said above, if the kid comes out okay, and is taken care of? People come out of single parent, and single-sex, relationships just fine. I say go ahead. I do not think I am so high and mighty that my own opinion justifies the rule of behavior for a whole section of society. I am just not that self-confident, I guess...

But, I'm getting off subject. It's not my place to care. The "birds and the bees" get explained just fine to boys and girls that never had the opportunity to have mothers or fathers. And I think you know it, Bill.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
DaWolfman(3324) Disputed
5 points

I have actually never been given the ' birds and the bees ' speech from my mother or father. Even if a couple is homosexual they still know what the speech is I mean I have never heard it from my parents but I have heard it from other people and on TV. So what difference does it make that a couple wants a kid even if it is a couple of 2 males or 2 females. Studies have already proven that a child from a homosexual couple turns out the same as a child from a heterosexual couple.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

If children should be amongst children that has a father(male) and mother(Female) the children is going to mock at them.They wont know how to act amongst children with normal parents.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
iamjustin(3) Disputed
1 point

Uh... you just explain to them that most people don't have two mommies/daddies. And I think that homosexuals understand, as you put it, the birds and the bees just as well as heteros.

Simple as that.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Tugman(749) Disputed
1 point

What if the couple breaks up who'll get custody? How will they determine who is the better parent? How will the adoption agency approve the couple? Don't they say they should get married!!!!!!!!!

Side: No, gays should not adopt
frenchieak(1132) Disputed
4 points

That's waaaay outside the scope of the debate. I have no clue. It's a tough moral decision, and one that I don't have to make for a reason. I couldn't; and I'm not qualified to do so even if I could.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Pineapple(1449) Disputed
2 points

Who gets custody if a straight couple breaks up? The better parent. Who would get custody is a gay couple breaks up? The better parent.

How do they determine the better parent? The same way they would with a straight couple. There are no differences, because father's have been fighting for their rights to their children.

And yes, parents should get married before they adopt. That's a great reason to let gays get married. Thank you, Tugman.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Lerouche(33) Disputed
2 points

What if a heterosexual couple breaks up? Who will get custody? How will they determine who is the better parent?

If people like you would shut up gay people could get married. Some day your gay grandchildren will look down at their adopted child and explain "That's okay baby, your grandparents were clinically insane and unable to form a coherent thought. Lucky for us those crazy liberals took over and fixed things."

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

the same way the court decides who gets custody today... is that hard to grasp??

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
omgREALLY(1) Disputed
1 point

I swear everything you've said makes you look dumb... If your mom and dad broke up how would they share custody of their kids being a gay couple with kids doesn't make them different from anyone else. So there's no determining who's the better parent or who gets custody or anything we're all normal and the same no matter who or what gender we chose to be with.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
8 points

Man, when will people just understand that we are humans first. Sexual orientation doesn't matter. It... It really doesn't.

Instead of asking yourself "Should gay couples adopt?" Ask yourself if ANY couples without any moral standards should adopt. Once again, sexual orientation does NOT bear on one's moral standing, those who think so are fools.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
kroticfate(161) Disputed
3 points

Good one but remember there are sometimes a two-side of views in matters regarding these.

That adopted child will be affected by his parents and his peers no matter how you look at you.

It's not too good to have too much fatherly love or too much motherly love.

It has been scientifically proven by researchers somewhere =,=.

One up-vote for you :D

Side: No, gays should not adopt
7 points

Show me the study because I've never had the chance to see it.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

researchers somewhere scientifically proved that you're a putz. here's hoping you get too much love...

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
JakeJ(3255) Disputed
-2 points
4 points

Why am I a fool for thinking that?

Because you are calling an entire group of people immoral for no other reason then that they are attracted to people of the same sex.

Because you don't recognize that romantic love can exist outside of a heterosexual woman, and man.

Because you believe, without any actual basis, that homosexual parents are incapable of raising a child correctly.

Because when I ask you why these act are immoral, your only response is to quote a bible verse.

And most importantly you allow these baseless views to interfere with other American's pursuit of happiness by denying them rights.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Warlin(1213) Disputed
3 points

I like the color green. I think it's great. You like the color red. You are a bad person. I don't want my children to hang out with someone who likes the color red.

Basically, the same concept.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Maybe this will help give a little perspective:

if you have oral sex, or really any sex except for the purpose of procreation - should you be allowed to adopt children??

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
7 points

There is nothing wrong with homosexuals and to be persecuted because of sexual orientation is wrong. If a gay couple wants a kid give them a kid. But I think that there could be consequences and pluses.

But I think that letting them adopt children would be leading those children into an extremely awkward upbringing. That would make them outcasts. Kids are extremely brutal just read A Child's Machiavelli, everything rings true. Picture your average bully not only picking on a kid because of his looks but now he has a weapon that would make that kid a total outsider to all other kids. Kids find it odd when a kid has no father or mother, or when he/she lives with his/her grandparents or are adopted to a hetero family a kid with 2 fathers or mothers doesn't fit into the mix for a proper upbringing in a peers perspective at a young age. It would all lead down a messed up life for the kid down the road he would be confused with his sexual orientation and countless other issues.

But then ,maybe all the toughness would make that kid an even better person than all the other kids that made fun of him or didn't step forward to defend him. I cannot say for sure since I have not had such an experience.

But it is a free country and if one person can adopt another person should be able to as well.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
PhonyTail(15) Disputed
0 points

You bring up a very interesting point DaWolfman. Would gay adoption be unfair for the child? From my point-of-view, I would say no. If the parents were loving and caring, and the child was raised in a good household, then I would imagine it would be more of a benefit than a hindrance. As for the bullies on the playground picking on the kid, it is unfair but it happens. Children are picked on for a plethora of reasons: for their intelligence, hair, freckles, deformities, you name it. But I don't think that means they should compromise to fit the social norm (especially the social norm of a playground bully, whatever age that may be).

But I do think you raised an interesting point. It would be intriguing to hear from a child who is raised by gay parents, or from an adult who was raised by gay parents. I think that would provide more of a psychological insight. They'd be a first-hand source.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
14 points

There have actually already been studies that prove the latter is true that children raised by same sex parents turned out just fine. But I still cannot get over the idea in my head that they would not come out right. Just like everyone understood that the world was round but they just couldn't get it through their head that it wasn't flat =]

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
5 points

...there's no way they could hav kids w/o adoption. Also, so what if ppl will laugh. That's THEIR problem. They should understand that ppl hav free will and exercise it. Not everyone is straight u kno.

Funny Thing: U can sidestep yo mama jokes if u hav two father rofl

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
5 points

I dhunno how old you have to be on here but imma say what i wanna say.

GAYS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADOPT.

I have nothing against the gays.

Nothing at all. But if they want to have a kid they should have a kid.

I mean straight people can have kids so why can't the gays?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
4 points

Okay if you want to go this far, you should be asking should straights adopt, should single perants adopt! Why the heck does it matter the sexuality of the perants, I mean the only ones who should really worry about all of this is the perants and the kid. I think the kid would do anything to have someone, anyone to love them! Who are you to judge that?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
4 points

Homosexuality hasn't been considered a disease by most scientists for 50 years by now, and I see no reason why homos shouldn't be allowed to raise children like everyone else.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

People, people, people. IT DOES NOT MATTER. All these debates about should gays adopt, do redheads have bad tempers, are most girls shallow, these are all the same kind of debates! Gays can adopt, straight people can adopt, bisexual people can adopt, anybody can adopt! It doesn't make a difference. Also, I'm not saying they SHOULD adopt, but that they can, and it doesn't make much of a difference.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

This is actually a very prevalent issue. Gay adoption is still a widely debated subject. There are a few organizations trying to dismantle gay adoption (Here is an article from 2006...I'm sorry it's a bit old, but I feel like it still has weight to it: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-20-gay-adoption_x.htm) )

Also, you stated: "...I'm not saying they should adopt, but that they can, and it doesn't make much of a difference." Explain your reasoning. Why wouldn't it make much of a difference? Personally I am pro-adoption, but I feel that hearing out details would be more beneficial than stating simple claims.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

I've never seen an argument for "no" backed up by scientific evidence. You'd think they'd notice that, but morons take to bigotry like fat kids to cake.

1. Gays are not confined to rigid gender roles as straights tend to be. The "outsider perspective" tends to give LGBT's a more astute view of society, and a frankness that's rare in straights. Give me AN EXAMPLE of how two male parents would be worse than a man and a woman.

2. And no, it won't make the kid gay; There is no evidence to support that. There's also no evidence linking homosexuality with pederasty. There is no evidence to link gay households with problem children. Sorry, you're full of shit.

3. The adoption screening process is excessive. And that's awesome. It means the average adoptive parent is far less likely to be abusive or neglectful, and they are guaranteed to WANT the child, unlike many straights.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

It is called human rights people! It has already been proven through tedious studies that children adopted into same sex families turn out just the same as any other kid. So I have to say yes because to me the answer is obvious.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Though I agree with your position, I feel like more questions need to be asked. For instance, how old are these studies? Are they still going on?

Though I am for gay adoption, I do not think the answer is so obvious. It is stirring so much debate because gay adoption is going against the previous traditional values of American society, and any shift from one set of morals to another is bound to bring up some questions.

So, yet again, I implore others who are against gay adoption to post and give their point-of-view. I would like to keep this debate as level as possible.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

The most important thing for a child to have in his or her life is a stable home, especially one where they can see a loving relationship. Yes, they need role models from both men and women. They need role models from as many types of people they can. I am a lesbian and I plan on having children eventually but I'm not going to seclude them from men. I have my father, my cousins, friends, and uncles all of whom I consider decent people and I'll make sure they can see all the types of lives in the spectrum. No study has shown that children raised by gay parents have more problems with gender roles or sexuality than those raised by straight couples. The only negative impact I can see is a child getting picked on for it but a) that is not the parents' fault but the society's and b) kids will always find something to make fun of because they are kids. It's what happens and, to an extent, it builds strength when paired with love from others. Hopefully, by the time my kids are old enough to learn what discrimination is, they world will be a bit better. And last- there are so many nameless kids in the system, why would we oppose something that puts them in loving homes?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

My father walked out when I was three and my brother was six. Has our lack of a masculine finger crippled us horribly? No.

This shouldn't even be a question. If two loving people are prepared to take a child into their home, out of a corrupt system that simply doesn't work, why would that not be allowed?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

I've been reading the opposite side with a lot of interest and just like I expected, people have brought in a whole array of "issues" they have about homosexuality.

First I read about how the motives of the gay person are selfish

My response: WHO CARES? I see an old lady crossing the street. I help her cross over. Did I do it because I truly cared for her or did I do cause I wanted to feel good about myself? Does it matter? As long as I didn't help her because I wanted to steal her purse in the process then where is the harm???? So what if gays want to satisfy their parental instincts by caring for a child? How does that undermine the care and the love? Don't straight couples do the same? How many times have I heard straight couples saying that they will have children because that "completes the family", that they can't wait to be great mums or great dads. That's selfish too isn't it? But is it wrong? Hell no! I would be worried of someone didn't have that streak of selfishness in them. In my opinion, the people that make the best parents are the ones that wanted to be parents in the first place. Not just procreate, but BE PARENTS afterward. Here we have people that are begging to be parents and we're telling them "you can't! we'd rather leave the kids in the orphanage than give them to you!"

Then it's about how it is unnatural for them to become parents because by definition they would be required to do something that is unnatural for them

Right, so, should we exclude all infertile individuals from the right to adopt?

Because the above argument basically implies that inability to conceive/procreate equals inability to perform as a parent, because nature didn't want you to become one in the first place. Isn't that ridiculous? The fact that we have children in foster care proves that the ability to conceive/procreate does not equal the ability to become a parent. So the two are clearly not cross linked.

Then it's about how it is no one's right to adopt because the only person that has authority over a child is the biological parent - only they can "appoint" someone to look after their child

Someone actually used the word "property", the child is the property of the biological parents and no institution should ever have the right bypass them and give the child to someone else.

Since when are human beings "property"?

As a parent, all you have, is the responsibility to raise the child and provide for it. That's all you have. You don't posses a child. No one has possession of another human being, however young.

Now, I know for a fact that adoption agencies always look for people in the immediate or larger family that would foster the child. It's only when they have exhausted all those possibilities that the child is put up for adoption. In other words, no one in the family has offered to take over the responsibility! So it is then in the hands of the agency to find suitable parents from the general public. Let's be realistic, the family has absolved itself, or is not existent, or is mentally incapable. Now, I'm not saying everybody else then has the right to be their parent. But I think they do have the right to at least apply for the role, whether gay or straight.

But the child is going to be bullied!

Well, is that really an argument? If the kid is going to be bullied that's because the parents of the other children are bigoted and they have instilled that bigotry on their bully-kid. Kids are bullied everyday for being black, Muslim, Asian, tall, short, ginger etc etc. Does that mean we should take them away from their black, Muslim or ginger parents?

The reality is, these kids are spending their life in an orphanage. I find it funny how people who are otherwise unwilling to adopt them, think that they have the right to obstruct others who do. And they justify it with an array of bigoted crap. And all this time, those kids remain in the orphanage, when they could be in the hands of very loving, very caring, very responsible people who could give them a much better life, a much better education and much more to experience.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

duh, a parent is a parent, and if they love their kid, it doesnt matter what gender they are.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

There's no reason they can't. It's not like they can have biological children without a suragate, and what if they don't like that option? Moreover, the children would just as happy a life with a gay couple as a straight couple.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

To say that two men or two women necessarily can't raise a child as well as a one-man-one-woman couple is sexist and inaccurate. We all know there are some heterosexual couples who are clearly unqualified to raise children. Restrictions on adoption should depend on the individual circumstances of the adopting family, not on generalised statements about the differing parenting styles of men and women.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

If a child has two Daddies or two Mommies that love the child, the love for the child is all that matters. Yes, Gays should be able to adopt.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Why shouldnt they be able to, if they are willing to provide a safe loving home for kids without one, why keep the child from having a home jsut because the parents that want to adopt are gay?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

one key point that should be included in the valuation is that the children that need to be adopted are often wards of the state and will live without any parents (typically in group homes, though sometimes in short or long term foster care). Is it better to have gay parents, or no parents?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

I don't think that having two mothers or two fathers can screw a child up. By this, I mean that I don't think he will become a serial killer or schizophrenic or anything based solely on the fact that his parents are of the same sex. I have heard that there have been tests on this sort of thing, and gay couples children have turned out to be just about 'normal.' Perhaps, if the child is female, and her parents are both male, she will turn out to be more masculine than the average girl, but what is wrong with that? I also believe that if her two parents are both very feminine, she will turn out to be 'normal.' So, it is not so much the gender of the parents, but their personalities that mold the child. In this country, many hetero parents with children get divorces, or one of the parents dies, and it is then legal for only the mother/father to raise the child on their own. So, if having either no mother/father figure screws up a child, shouldn't raising a child on your own be illegal for as long as gay adoption is?

Also, don't most, or at least some, adopted babies come from third world countries where they will end up living their lives in poverty, violence, and probably no parents if they are not adopted? I don't understand why anyone would want to see a child raised this way instead of with two men who will love and care for them. It makes me sick.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

i think they should bcuz i mean yu really CANT PUT A TITLE ON A FAMILY!!!!!!

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Too many kids in the foster care program are being ignored in some states because they wont let a gay couple take them in. Well how about we send that kid back to their messed up home! I'm sure they'd love it their too. I think in the rare cases that they live in a homophobic comunity they would rather deal with the ridicule of having gay parents then the ridicule of having bruises all over their face.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Really, why should it matter? Is being the child of a gay couple really worse than having no parents at all? It's just cruel not to afford a parent-less child every opportunity to have a caring and supportive family. There are too many kids without parents to turn down a couple on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

In my own personal feeling i think they should be able do adopt. Why can they have the wonders and joys that other people get to experience that they want in their lives. Its just not right picture if you were in their situation and you wanted a child what would you do? I would go out and adopt a kid because sometime you need kids to make your life more exciting. Maybe they don't want to leave the earth without a memory of them so if they gays want to adopt feel free because you have my support.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Come on you are over thinking this. It is about wat the child wants and since being gay is more acceptabel then less bulling for them i guess but saying homophobic stuff like it's disgusting thats why it's hard to live life you always have to worry about wat some one thinks. I APLUDE OPEN GAYS! THEY STAND UP TO BULLIES AND DON'T CARE WAT THEY SAY ISAY YOU GO GAY! ;)

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Even though this debate is huge, I feel compelled to write my own argument anyway.

Single parents are capable of successfully raising children, and their children do fine growing up with only one gender role model.

Plus, there are SO many children in need of good, loving homes. What difference does it make if the parents are homosexual or heterosexual?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Yes. Their sexual proclivities do not say much about their parenting skills. Indeed, there are plenty of cases where the gay or lesbian couples are better suited and prepared to raise the children than those who gave them up in the first place.

And to those who think that their "lifestyle" will cause kids to be especially targeted by bullies at school or have a distorted view of life, doesn't this already happen with the children of nerds, hippies, rednecks, etc.?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

If Roman Catholics are allowed to adopt, then gays should be allowed as well.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

I think they should be able to adopt and/or have surrogates, homosexual people should not be denied the rights that the heterosexuals receive, and they should be allowed to experience a child loving them as a parent like the rest of us....I speak for both communities as I am Bisexual.. our hearts are created equal as well as god created us. We love with every fiber of our being and wish the rest of the world would open they're hearts, eyes and minds to the point we are just like you we just are attracted to the same sex!

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

YES!

homosexualls have the same equal rights as hetrosexualls.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

Gays raise better kids than anyone else and conservatives raise the worst and they are trying to tell people who can have kids, lol.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

Gay couples should not be banned from adopting children. They are loving parents.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

I do believe that gays should adopt children. In my life I've seen children and teens be much better adjusted because they've had to go through not only the normal chaos of childhood with other children calling names and being mean but they've also had to go through what I might call an orientation that very few kids have...and that is that prejudice, hatred and a lack of understanding for the human condition so thoroughly exists in this world. I've seen them build both strength and character through their upbringing.

I tell you what I've experienced personally and do not resort to the "fact" sheets. The facts are not in yet to any great degree in either direction. In 5-10 years we will have a greater amount of statistics to go by.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

This is true. Since this issue is so recent, I don't think we have any long-term studies about the effects of gay adoption, but maybe we'll have a better understanding in 10 or 20 years. However, I feel that during arguments it is better to argue from a logical standpoint, as opposed to an emotional one. Still, I agree with your stance.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
6 points

Nope, they should'nt if their children percieved that their family is abnormal that mindset will stay with him for a pretty good long time.

During his childhood years, his friends will laugh at him for having two fathers

And when he is old enough to find out about how babies came about he will be curious how two males will give birth to a offspring.

He might think this is alright if he is gay too -,-

Side: No, gays should not adopt
11 points

As someone who knows someone with homosexual parents I can tell you with a great degree of certainty that:

You are dead wrong

You also make the assumption that homosexuality is wrong when you say:

He might think this is alright if he is gay too

Of course he/she will think this, because being gay is alright, and the only reason people like him will ever be discriminated against is because people like you say otherwise.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
5 points

The argument is invalid. What is particularly true in one instance cannot be inferred as universally true in all instances.

Arguments that reason from that which is true in one example to a conclusion that is universal is fallacious.

Example: andsoccer has hair, andsoccer is a male; therefore, all males have hair.

Moreover, what is true today of your judgment may not be necessarily true in fact. Though your judgment may be valid today your judgment precludes your right to change your mind about something you are unaware of that would alter your judgment. Just because you have judged that a person is not gay today doesn't rule out the possibility that the judgment may change in the future.

One last statement, for you, it's obvious that all homosexuals were raised by heterosexuals. And by reason of such, nobody can validly argue that the parents sexual orientation predetermines the sexual orientation of their children. (your welcome)

Side: No, gays should not adopt
Boz83(8) Disputed
1 point

The argument that "people may bully or harras the child" is flawed. However how about the development stages of the child. Studies have shown that a child needs a mother and a father to develop..... both genders do have specific roles to play. Now I am not disputing that same sex couples will be bad parents, I am sure they will be good parents, but human nature is that children should be brought up in a dual gender relationships.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
applecore278(27) Disputed
8 points

I'd like to know what you define as a "normal" mindset. Here's a link to the Child Welfare Information Gateway: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_gay/f_gayb.cfm

Children get teased for many reasons. "Gay and lesbian parents are well aware of the difficulties that a child may face - many have dealt with prejudice all of their lives. Most see it as an opportunity for ongoing discussion that will help their children grow as people."

According to studies, "Wendell Ricketts and Roberta Achtenberg, in the article "Adoption and Foster Parenting for Lesbians and Gay Men: Creating New Traditions in Family" from Homosexuality and Family Relations, address social workers grappling with the issue by asking, "...should children be sheltered from every experience in which their difference might challenge prejudice, ignorance, or the status quo (or in which they would be 'exposed' to the difference of others)? Agencies conforming to such a standard must ask themselves whether it is their function to honor the system that generates stigma by upholding its constraints." They continue, "Teasing is what children do. Does this mean that child welfare policy must be set at a level no higher than the social interactions of children?"

"The bulk of evidence to date indicates that children raised by gay and lesbian parents are no more likely to become homosexual than children raised by heterosexuals. As one researcher put it, "If heterosexual parenting is insufficient to ensure that children will also be heterosexual, then there is no reason to conclude that children of homosexuals also will be gay". 11

"Studies asking the children of gay fathers to express their sexual orientation showed the majority of children to be heterosexual, with the proportion of gay offspring similar to that of a random sample of the population. An assessment of more than 300 children born to gay or lesbian parents in 12 different samples shows no evidence of "significant disturbances of any kind in the development of sexual identity among these individuals". 12

"Courts have expressed concern that children raised by gay and lesbian parents may have difficulties with their personal and psychological development, self-esteem, and social and peer relationships. Because of this concern, researchers have focused on children's development in gay and lesbian families.

The studies conclude that children of gay or lesbian parents are no different than their counterparts raised by heterosexual parents. In "Children of Lesbian and Gay Parents," a 1992 article in Child Development, Charlotte Patterson states, "Despite dire predictions about children based on well-known theories of psychosocial development, and despite the accumulation of a substantial body of research investigating these issues, not a single study has found children of gay or lesbian parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents."

Psychiatrist Laurintine Fromm, of the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, agrees with that finding. "[The] literature...does not indicate that these children fare any worse [than those of heterosexual parents] in any area of psychological development or sexual identity formation. A parent's capacity to be respectful and supportive of the child's autonomy and to maintain her own intimate attachments, far outweighs the influence of the parent's sexual orientation alone."

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Pineapple(1449) Disputed
4 points

There is no "normal" anymore. The divorce rate is through the roof, a lot of people don't even bother to get married anymore before having children. Some kids have one mommy, some kids have two. Some kids have a mommy, and two daddies. Some kids have a mommy M-F and a daddy Saturday and Sunday.

Children aren't stupid. They are way more open to new situations than adults, and most children these days, and very understanding. The only reason a child would not be understanding is if their parents were telling them that homosexuality is a nasty dirty thing, and that Timmy's two daddies are evil.

And you know what?

IF A CHILD IS GAY, IT IS OKAY!

What would you do if you had a gay child?

Don't you ever ever ever tell your child it is not okay to be gay. That breeds intolerance, and hate, and frankly... disgusts me.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
duncer(418) Disputed
3 points

it is alright if he is gay it is his choice and why cant gay's and lesbians adopt? they are a cupple and dosent matter if they are same sex if they are good for them if they want a kid let them have a freaking kid

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
kroticfate(161) Disputed
4 points

I mean that the children will be mentally hurt and noting else.

If gays and lesbians adopt they should do more to care for their children.

I am not sure what kind of corrupted society you're in that doesn't even care for their children.

'if they want a kid let them have a freaking kid' : I'm refering to children mentally hurt and no more

Side: No, gays should not adopt
3 points

I wrote a paper a few years back on this topic and I can tell you that everything you state here has no validity. Don't get me wrong, it has points that many make but there are plenty of studies out there that will put you at ease.

First, I would recommend you do a little research on childhood psychology.

Second, adolescent children will at some point become curious in sexual activity and it is the parent's responsibility to inform them appropriately. This comes from a parental unit, regardless of sexual orientation. There are good and bad parents out there and not all will inform their children. My point it that parents are parents and some are good at it; others are bad.

Finally, if you are trying to insinuate that because someones parents are gay they will become gay themselves is ludicrous. I'm sure you're using the "monkey see, monkey do" ideology. Let me ask you this, Heterosexual parents have children that are gay so your ideology is flawed.

One last note, on a personal level: What makes you think children will perceive their family as abnormal just on the premise if they're gay? I was proud of my family, my father was overweight and my mother was from Spain (i was made fun of for years on top of having horrible acne in High School). Growing up in a small town almost entirely made up of white republican Catholics, I was abnormal; I knew I was different. Guess what, I'm doing just fine. And I'm not overweight and proud of my dual nationality. If anything it brought about a better sense of self.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
kroticfate(161) Disputed
9 points

In my own personal opinion being homosexual isn't right and thats it.

And the communites around me doesn't get too involved in homosexual activicties even the government.

It's common to see girls and boys hanging out together but not boys and boys hugging each other touching here an there.

Kids learn from their parents and it's monkey see monkey do. When babies were born, they are weak and they are dependant on their mothers or those whom they think is his/her parents that he/she could relate to. Kids learn from their parents because it's the parents responsiblity to teach their children what is right and what is wrong and not someone elses.

Unless you're trying to prove to me that the parent's role isn't to teach the children what is nature and what is not according to nature etc. you cannot have sex with a man like you did with a woman.

It's impossible unless that man was a woman before a sex change operation and was reluctant to change her organs.

What 'most' debate i saw about how homosexuality is morally accepted by people utterly shocked me to the core. I'm not sure what kind of world are you in but i certainly do not accept it as 'normal'because it is abnormal and going against nature.

Firstly, the environment i grew up in doesn't have too much catholics and christians but mostly made up of other religions. I personally abhor christianity because of its contradictions and it's violation of karma.

One quote i recieved from my friend who is a christian. He was determined to convert me from a buddhist to a christian but once i heard it i brushed him aside.

'If you don't believe in Jesus christ, you shall go to hell'.

This is a total piece of bullshit, who in the world needs to go to hell when he is accumulating merits here and there is no such thing as absolute creator god who creates the whole universe in seven days.

And god don't love us too.

If he has the powers of a clairvoyant and loves us, if he saw the future of man he would'nt have created us in the first place. He would'nt have created Adam and Eve in the first place.

And if he truly is an absolute god he would'nt have creatd lucifer whom he knew that one day lucifier is going to turn bad and become satan.

Christianity is bulljunk and i totally hate it.

Although i hate christianity i don't really hate christians.

I only dislike those who is obessed with it.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
Cerin(206) Disputed
3 points

Does anyone really think their family is absolutely normal?

And what about all the children being raised by single moms and dads who've divorced, or never married? They're teased in school too.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Lerouche(33) Disputed
3 points

I understand that people who are ignorant and uneducated may think that 'gayness' is contagious. Let me assure you, it isn't.

During childhood, everyone is laughed at for something.

No child will assume a man gave birth to them if the parents explain things the way all parents do. Did you assume your father gave birth to you until your mother said she did?

It is alright if he is gay too. There is nothing wrong with being gay. Their is something wrong with judging people and telling children that their gay parents are sinners and are going to hell.

There is something wrong with laughing at a child for having two parents who love them. Any orphan would gladly take two fathers or two mothers over no parents any day of the year.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
carielewyn(7) Disputed
3 points

it's not about whether the parents are gay or straight, it's about how they raise their children, with truth or with lies, open minds or fear. both straight and gay parents are capable of both, their sexuality is irrelevant.

during anyone's childhood others may laugh at them for random reasons. the child wouldn't mind having happy gay parents and getting laughed at by mindless kids as much as he/she might mind having a straight couple as parents if they gets divorced or have a drug addiction or are abusive.

if a gay child grows up with straight parents, they don't fit in either. he might think he is straight. the mindset would stay with him for a long time, also. and that would be just as wrong as what you claimed.

when teaching about reproduction gay parents would have to tell the child where babies come from and how they do so. being gay doesn't mean they will make up some story about how gay people can conceive. they could, but being gay doesn't mean they will. what about all the straight parents who tell their kids they come from cabbages?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
thexskyxisxg(1) Disputed
0 points

I'm pretty darn sure they would have long ago tell the kid he was adopted. And would you rather him face 'ridicule at a young age' or live in a shelter without a family at all.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

hell no gays should never be allowed to adopt a child the very ill behaved people they ruin things in this country let them go to eurpoe and live the choose there life style is real sick a guy on top of guy a discussing thing same as a woman kissing a woman is sick and noway way should a child be brought into that situation.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
8 points

"ill behaved people ruin things in this country"

Yeah like those asses who are intolerant of other's existence when they have done absolutely nothing wrong but to live.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
1 point

good strategy - I hadn't thought of just picking the other side and making a stupid argument - way to help illuminate some of the ludicrous things people on the other side tend to say. hopefully that is what you are doing.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
3 points

A child needs a mother and a father figure. If two men adopt a girl how are they going to explain girl stuff.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
frenchieak(1132) Disputed
4 points

How does a single father explain "girl stuff?" That's just fine, but when it happens to be two men, it's not okay anymore. I don't see the difference here.

For that matter, how does a single mother explain "boy stuff?" This situation is socially accepted, but essentially the same thing isn't when it's two of the same sex. As long as the kid's fine who really cares? Why is that?

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
thexskyxisxg(1) Disputed
2 points

I don't know if you have kids or where recently in school but the government is hiring people to get to the point long before the parents even want to think about it. Most straight parents don't even explain this stuff to their kids anymore either because they don't care or because they say one word and the kid says 'Yeah mom/dad I know. Remember that paper you signed last week giving the school permission to teach me that crap? Yeah please don't go there.'

What about single parents? They do it by themselves and to be quite frank I would find it more akward as a single straight parent then a gay couple who don't find any atraction to that sex what so ever. So how bout you through that argument in a single parents face and see if you still have a face when they're done with you.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Tugman(749) Disputed
0 points

What would you do if a gay couple adopted your brother? Or why not you? There are many people who aren't gay that are not allowed to adopt and they'd be good parents.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
Pineapple(1449) Disputed
1 point

Gay couples are just like straight couples. You tend to fully judge, what you don't fully understand.

Gay parents get things done. Just like a modern straight couple might have a "Mr. Mom" who stays home, while the wife goes to work, doesn't mean that that couple wont be good parents.

There are many untraditional families who make it work. Just because they don't have to body parts you find fit, doesn't mean they can't raise children.

One father can take on the role of the mother. He can be feminine and caring, loving et cetera. These "roles" you place on parents are just an illusion.

There is no one, right way to raise a child.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
dtrimble(32) Disputed
3 points

Gay couples are the same as staight couples?

If this were true there would not be a debate!

....Im just saying

Side: No, gays should not adopt
2 points

All homosexuals, male or female, who would adopt a child, are acting in a manner that is contrary to the nature and consequences of homosexuality. For by reason of their supposed natural, sexual orientation, as they call it, their actions negate the possibility of becoming progenitors as a consequence. Moreover, the homosexual nature also axiomatically negates the necessary and natural predisposition of progenitors as parents as well as negating the necessary and natural predisposition of progenitors to place their well-being as secondary and a child’s primary. However, before they have attempted to adopt a child, all homosexuals have already, in life, demonstrated the predispositional consequences of their sexual orientation which evidence the fact that they cannot put the well-being of anyone before their own subjective well-being. For don’t all homosexuals act contrary to the heterosexuality of their parents from which, as a consequence, they were born into this world? Moreover, do they not solely seek to please themselves at the expense of the sorrow of their parents and families? So it should be understood that any homosexual male or female who wants to adopt a child is both, acting contrary to his/her sexuality, and is attempting to make the well-being of a child secondary; for homosexuals who want to adopt a child are choosing to do so for themselves and never because a child wants to be raised by homosexual males or females.

In conclusion: if adoption is acceptable in a society, the choice as to whom the child can be adopted by must remain the sole authority of the progenitors of the child or relatives and never the public or an institution. For neither the public nor any institution can be held accountable for sorry decisions that ill-affect a child; whereas a parent who gives up its’ child for adoption must live with the consequences of that decision and will therefore choose as wisely as is possible in a manner that agrees with the nature of the parent.

Homosexual males and females refuse to be parents. And therefore no rational person ought to give their child to a person who is incapable of acting against his or own nature.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
3 points

The progenitors give up their authority to the child the second they give it up for adoption. I'm sorry to say that your conclusion is flawed in that regard.

If you are not willing to or cannot take responsibility for maintaining a child and "give" it up for adoption, you lose all rights to that child.

Hence the term "give him/her up for adoption".

You must also note that the acceptance by society makes it an institution.

I must lastly note that most of your first paragraph has no psychological validity in the nature of homosexuality.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
4 points

Bare in mind that homosexuals that adhere to the theory of evolution must also necessarily adhere to the principle of the theory which posits the propagation of the fittest sexually reproductive species; and consequently has damned the homosexual, for the homosexual doesn't propagate its species.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
3 points

You sated:

"The progenitors give up their authority to the child the second they give it up for adoption. I'm sorry to say that your conclusion is flawed in that regard.

If you are not willing to or cannot take responsibility for maintaining a child and "give" it up for adoption, you lose all rights to that child.

Hence the term "give him/her up for adoption".

You must also note that the acceptance by society makes it an institution."

My response:

Your argument is an excellent example of the fallacy, self-refutation. The argument affirms in one statement that which it denies in another.

You argument asserts that a progenitor gives up its authority to the child when the progenitor gives up the child for adoption. It therefore must be also true when state agencies give up children for adoption they too have no authority. Explain why the argument expresses the denial of authority for the progenitor in the case of adoption while consequently implying the affirmation of authority of state agencies that too seek adoption for a child. Whether your argument is willful deception or a logical error remains for you to decide.

Next, reread the conclusion and you will find: ’ …..the choice as to whom the child can be adopted by must remain the sole authority of the progenitors of the child or relatives’…... The child remains under the authority of the parent until the child is adopted. You attempted to redefine that which was previously defined in the argument, and your argument is attempting to establish the straw-man fallacy.

Again, you stated:

'You must also note that the acceptance by society makes it an institution.'

Therefore in accord with that proposition the following is valid:

Society accepts homosexuality. Therefore, homosexuality is an institution.

Society accepts masturbation. Therefore, masturbation is an institution.

Society accepts stupidity. Therefore, stupidity is an institution.

Society accepts whatever. Therefore, whatever is an institution.

Reductio ad absurdum!

Again, you stated:

'If you are not willing to or cannot take responsibility for maintaining a child and "give" it up for adoption, you lose all rights to that child. '

What do you mean by maintaining a child? Your arguments are validating my arguments.

Parents maintain their cars, houses, lawns, toilets, tubs, sex toys, etc., but never can it be said that they maintain their children, unless of course they are alike janitors and maintenance personnel. Parents, through out the life of either themselves or their children, always strive to care for their progeny in whatever capacity is required at any given time and provide both tangible and abstract necessities.

You assert: “I must lastly note that most of your first paragraph has no psychological validity in the nature of homosexuality.”

Your final statement doesn’t challenge any assertion in paragraph one. Moreover, paragraph one of the argument is not a psychological description of any subject and hence cannot be psychologically valid or invalid. It is however an argument that is demonstratively evidenced by the deeds of homosexuals. No attempt was made in my argument to suggest a description of the mind or the thought processes of male or female homosexuals.

And lastly, if homosexuals are that caring why would they adopt a baby that they cannot breast feed? For breastmilk is the best milk for infants. All companies that produce baby formula admit that their products are second best.

The natural order of life among animals is predicated upon the breast milk of the mother. And just because female homosexuals can be made pregnant by methods contrary to nature doesn’t mean they should be a mother; for by reason of their nature they will not naturally become mothers.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
3 points

It's not in our nature to fly but we build airplanes. The inability to CONCEIVE children is a consequence of homosexuality, but in no way reflects on ones ability to raise and love a child.

Does not.

"Moreover, do they not solely seek to please themselves at the expense of the sorrow of their parents and families? "

uh... NO.

So Gay people being themselves are pleasing themselves by making their parent sad when they come out? What? There are more assumptions in this statement than I care to address.

Not all gay people are pleased with being gay due to the society we are in, and to assume all parents hate to hear their kid is gay just completely shows us how twisted your logic is.

Wouldn't your statement also be true if you brought home a someone of a different race to your racist parents? You see where your line of thought is coming from? Bigotry. The assumption that there is something existentially negative about being gay.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

What inability to conceive children????````````````````````````````````

Side: No, gays should not adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
1 point

Your first argument compares two things that are not related; this is a fallacy of faulty analogy. The ability to fabricate an aircraft does not evidence an ability to raise and love a child. The argument does not deductively evidence why any person, gay or not gay, can raise and love a child. Moreover, you have asserted that homosexuals are not able to conceive children. Therefore, we can deduce from your claim that homosexuals are biologically deprived of the necessary organs for the conception of a child. Lastly, the argument is ineffective in proving any thing syllogistically. And as for the remainder of your claims and rhetorical questions they don’t deserve refutation. The entirety of the argument fails to prove one thing that has been validly deduced by the author.

Your final statement,” The assumption that there is something existentially negative about being gay.”

A. It is a sentence fragment. The subject is identified but there is no predicate.

B. You affirmed there is something that is existentially negative about being gay; they cannot conceive children.

Your whole of your argument begins with irrationality and ends with irrationality.

I expect that your future reply will also be equally irrational.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
2 points

Hi LM! What allows you to assume that gay people don't have a parental bone in their body? Many gay people want children. That gene or set of brain cells were surely there at birth even though others were not!

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
1 point

Hello K,

Simplified answer: Healthy human beings who choose to not propagate their own sons and daughters are doing such for selfish reasons.

For the record: I despise the state institution of adoption. Thou shalt not covet…

No man or woman can provide a reasonable justification for transgressing that commandment. The fact that there exists a supposed argument that would justify the act of coveting the sons and daughters of other humans is evidence to me of a people who are dead to the words of the commandments.

If you would care for a more specific explanation, I have no problem submitting additional information.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
Pineapple(1449) Disputed
1 point

Heres where you screwed yourself... well first off, in your mother's basement, where you obviously reside.

Secondly, when you said, "Moreover, do they not solely seek to please themselves at the expense of the sorrow of their parents and families?"

I believe that you're implying that all families are sad and distraught over their child's homosexuality? This is not the case.

Homosexuality can be accepted, tolerated, and celebrated. Just because you are a homosexual doesn't mean that you are in defiance of anything.

You are embracing your own feelings. You are being true to yourself. I would argue that someone who does not love themselves, should not attempt to love anyone else. You have to love yourself, and you have to have a genuine love for someone else in order to successfully raise a child. The child understand that love. He or she can learn that there are many types of love, and that it can be expressed in whatever way, with whomever he or she finds suitable for them. But that child needs just an example of love.

Shut up and listen, for once.

Love is all you need.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
lawnman(1106) Disputed
1 point

Your argument begins with foolishness and ends with foolishness.

If you look, read, and understand the folly between your foolish statement, and foolish command, you will realize that you provided evidence that proves the point of my argument.

Do you make it a habit of contradicting yourself?

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

if a man and women are not able to have kids naturally should they be prevented from adopting

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

I think that everyone should be given the chance to care for a child. And it all depends how you best give the proper guidance and love for your children. But I am not still favor of gays adopting a child. Child should be well-guided and be nurture and I believe that only a legitimate couple complete with a mom and dad could only provide this. There are studies that children with no father image at home tend to engage more into drugs and other things. This is also the same case if mom is not around. I believe this could be worsen if you are reared by parents who has the same gender.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

This is an interesting topic because most people argue based on their emotions rather than rational thought. Before individuals start accusing me of being homophobic, homosexuality should be accepted as part of life however the raising of children in a same sex household has many questions unanswered.

Dr Albert Dean Byrd a well educated child and family pyschologist has researched this topic for sometime and he found that children throughout their developmental stages need a MOTHER and a FATHER.

He states

"Children raised in homes with both mothers and fathers navigate the

developmental stages more easily, are more solid and secure in their sense of

self and in their sense of gender identity, perform better in the school system,

have fewer social and emotional problems and become better functioning

adults."

He further points out the roles the Mother and Father play in the up bringing of a child.

"Mothers use touch to calm, soothe and to bring comfort to children. When mothers

reach for children, they frequently bring them to their breasts to provide safety,

warmth and security. Father’s touch is most often described as playful and

stimulating, bringing with it a sense of excitement to the child."

The combination of these roles within a dual gender household clearly shapes the upbringing of a child. The selfish notion of same sex couples wanting to adopt a child or have a child through IVF, or a carrier should be treated with caution.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

Exactly! I am not really against gay marriage or gay rights. However, I am glad I finally found a post that I totally agree with. Some kids are born gay, but most are born straight. So unless the same-sex parents are raising gay children, I do believe it is a little selfish to put the kids in that environment. With that said, I didn't grow up in an orphanage, so it is tough to be entirely sure on a position without some doubt...

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

Gays folks should not adopt for a very simple reason. No American baby, adolescent, toddler, teen, or adult (young or mature) would receive the proper nourishment, values, or knowledge with same sex parents. Also, the Man upstairs made it possible to procreate between a man and a woman. Don't you think we ought not argue with the creator of all things?

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

I really can't stand downvoting and I would like to know the culprit who is responsible for downvoting my arguments. If you believe gay adoption is good or acceptable, then fine. I don't. I think being gay is not mainstream enough for a child to feel comfortable in a gay household. But fine, allow it. Then compare the children living with gay couples and the children living with straight couples. I'm positive there'd be a huge difference, psychologically speaking.

P.S. I have NOTHING against the gay community. I think it is completely natural. Society deems otherwise.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

I wish they could. I think many gay couples would be much better parent than a lot of heterosexual couples; you can't really have an "accident" if you're gay. But, I have been a kid and I know that children are extremely cruel. The adopted child of a gay couple would likely be put through a living hell by his peers.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

This is a topic far more complicated than gay marriage. I believe society is still trying to get along with gay marriage and gay pride as to throw gay adoption in the way. I am not against gays, but I do believe that adoption is a whole new level. Gay parents will of course condition the child even if they don't want to, not to mention the hard time the child will have in school and the moral dilemma when he sees that his classmates have moms and dads. I'm not saying this will never happen, I'm just stating that gay couples adopting is not something society can deal with right now, we must be logical when it comes to promoting such laws, a step like this one is too much too soon.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

I am a biologist and my point of view is other. The focus isn't on the kid's growth but who this will affect the population. Ok, maybe this will take some time, but is happen know. Moreover, the global warm was like this a few years ago. What I am trying to say is, if the gays have kids their kids will become gays. If they become gays, they won't meet someone to reproduce. If they won't reproduce the population will become old. If the population become old every one will die. Ok, maybe this can be extremist but this is the path that we are taking. If they solve this problem, I guess there won't be a problem whit this, I mean it will be great 'cos there will be more girls for me and a three some will be always a good call.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
truthteller(64) Disputed
1 point

I'm glad gays can't reproduce maybe one day but not today I will always hate gays and so will everybody I know :)

Side: Yes, gays should adopt

Gay Adoption

They should not because a child should atleast have a father and mother or else the child willl be raised a homo. That is unacceptable and inappropriate. Do you pro-gay adoption voters want a child to be bullied at school? If so, you are a c*.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
1 point

gay marriage is already a step that they're trying to get.. it hurts nobody, but gays adoptiong children hurts the children and will confuse them since their environment is not suited right.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
0 points

The Homosexual community continue to adopt children! This is training these children to grow up and be gay themselves! Children are being brainwashed to say oh well look at my 2 moms or look at my 2 dads! it must just be okay or normal!? Children are being taught sinful inmmoral behaviors today that will destroy this country in the near future!!

Side: No, gays should not adopt
Bohemian(3860) Disputed
1 point

The Homosexual community continue to adopt children! This is training these children to grow up and be gay themselves! Children are being brainwashed to say oh well look at my 2 moms or look at my 2 dads! it must just be okay or normal!? Children are being taught sinful inmmoral behaviors today that will destroy this country in the near future!!

Yes, because it's much better if these kids remain orphans. Besides the fact that there is not the slightest bit of evidence to suggest that children raised by homosexuals will become homosexual. Or that we even have reason to fear such a thing.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
-4 points
frenchieak(1132) Disputed
6 points

But then what happens if there is a family with a mother and a father, but, say, they get divorced, or a parent dies, or something, and then there is only one parent? Is the child going to come out of childhood 'messed up,' or different, like you say would happen? There are plenty of examples of successful, well-rounded adults coming out of homes of all types, ones with only a father, many with only a mother, so I don't see the difference, in your example, if there is a single parent or two parents of the same gender.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
HGrey87(750) Disputed
5 points

Hey, guess who in a child's life is most likely to abuse him or her?

Yep, the boyfriends and girlfriends of that single parent. Good job, you just hypothetically got your hypothetical kid hypothetically raped.

Give an example of what ONLY a female or ONLY a male can teach a child. Not something that could easily be researched.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

I agree with HGrey's point here about the subjectivity of gender. I do not think there are specific things that can be "taught" through ONLY one gender. However, I do think having a parent of that gender helps; a daughter would want to talk to her mother about her period, if given the choice. But fathers can definitely talk about it as well (even though it might be a bit uncomfortable).

To quickly state my piece:

Yes, I believe gay parents should be able to adopt. I do not think a child needs a mother and father to get a healthy perspective on things. I found an old article about this issue a while ago:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/us/26florida.html

It was about the Florida ban on gay adoption that was ruled unconstitutional (but you can see that from the title).

I even found an older article about a "new take" on the American family: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/25/gay.adoption/index.html

By doing a quick google search, you can see that it is not on the forefront of the political crossfire as gay marriage is, but it is a important issue. I think one of the main reasons it makes people so uncomfortable is that everyone feels like they know how to rear children the best, whether it is with homosexual parents, hetoersexual parents, single parents, or whatever. It is a touchy issue for most people, since everyone has to listen to their mother-in-laws bicker once and a while.

I'm interested to hear more from the anti-gay adoption side. This debate is open to all.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Kitamai(4) Disputed
1 point

I disagree. And I'm actually picking your argument to comment on because it made more sense than most of the others on here. Although you are right in saying each parent gives certain lessons to a child and it's important that that child has different influences, these lessons do not have to come from people of the same gender. Different parents are going to be different no matter their gender. Nurturing doesn't necessarily come from the mother and discipline from the father. Also, say the parents are both men, the children aren't going to be secluded from women in their life. They will have aunts, grandmothers, teachers, family friends, etc that can serve as role models and examples. Also, regardless of whether your arguments make sense or not, it simply isn't shown in any studies done on children raised by gay parents

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
MKIced(2511) Disputed
-3 points
PhonyTail(15) Disputed
7 points

For what reason? From what I understand, 'marriage' is a social construct. 'Marriage' has not held the same definition since its creation, and it is also different across cultures. In some cultures, men can have four wives. In other cultures, men can have a wife and a girlfriend. And look at this country: until only just recently (the past 50 years or so), it was completely acceptable for husbands to beat their wives. It was a "personal" issue, not domestic violence.

I suggest reading this article on how traditional marriage has changed over time:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/260456_marriage.html

What I'm trying to get at is: of course homosexual marriages are unnatural. ALL marriages are unnatural. They are constructs of society. And if the society sees it fit, it can change the rules.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
jessald(1915) Disputed
2 points

1) Nature is non-intelligent, it is incapable of intending anything. Unless of course you're using "nature" as a code word for "God."

2) Just because something is unnatural does not mean it is bad.

3) Give up on religion. It's nonsense and you know it.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
2 points

Yeah and they can't conceive children, but they can care for the unwanted children of heterosexuals and in some cases(lesbians) use artificial impregnation techniques just like heterosexuals to conceive a baby. The nature argument is very weak. We as humans bend nature to our will on a daily basis.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
Cottonball(256) Disputed
2 points

Who are you to speak for nature?

You have no idea what nature intended. Everything you say is just a blind assumption.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
0 points

Well to sort of counter the downvotes, I'm going to just add another argument. I really love it when people downvote without a reason... not! Seriously, if you're going to downvote an argument that you disagree with, say so! If it's bad grammar, which is rare for me, then fine (and not just one misspelled word). This is a legitimate argument with no misspellings or grammatical errors and there is NO right to downvote it.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
-4 points
3 points

Andrew, how old are you and what could you know about what can "screw up a kid?" I'll need some back-up on your blanket statement which makes little sense to those who are a bit older and more well versed.

Side: Yes, gays should adopt
sop4life603(48) Disputed
0 points

My question is how old are you? Do you know what can screw up a kid Kuklapolitan? You cannot judge others by age. You could be in your forties and never have raised a kid in your life. I on the other hand have had alot of experience with children and gay parents and I am in my twenties. I could be well more knowledgable about this topic then you.

Side: No, gays should not adopt
AndrewJ(42) Disputed
-3 points