Gay Marriage Should Be Denied

7 Pages 1840 Words

SAVAGE, TODD A., MARC E. FRISIELLO, and SHARON SCALES ROSTOSKY. "Gay Parents." International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family. Ed. James J. Ponzetti, Jr. Vol. 2. 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003. 720-723. 4 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Thomson Gale. Camden County College. 17 February 2005
.

Document links: 4 PDF Pages | How to Cite
eBook links: About this Publication | eTable of Contents | eBook Index | List of Illustrations
Library links:


Full Text:

Page 720
GAY PARENTS


Research has consistently demonstrated that heterosexual adults retain consistently and overwhelmingly negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay males. Heterosexual adults commonly view this negativity as acceptable despite political rhetoric lauding the contributions and multiple perspectives of an increasingly diverse citizenry (Kite and Whitley 1996). The stigma, prejudice, and discrimination directed at people who identify themselves as homosexual are not confined to individual acts, but have been institutionalized and systematically perpetuated throughout the various levels of the culture. For example, the U. S. legal system does not recognize unions between same-sex partners, nor does it protect relationships between lesbian and gay male parents and their children (Patterson, Fulcher, and Wainright 2000). Despite such obstacles, lesbian and gay male individuals successfully create meaningful family relationships that not only prosper, but thrive (Patterson 2000).



Gay Relationships and Legal Matters
Legal recognition of unions (i.e., marriage) between heterosexual males and females has a longstanding history in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world influenced by Western cultures. Such recognition has set the standards for acceptable relationships and the benefits that they are believed to bring. One common benefit of marriage relates to the establishment of families and the rearing of c...