Same-sex parenting is a term used to describe parenting where both parents are of the same gender identity. This type of parenting has been around for centuries, but it was not widely accepted until recently. Today, there are many societies that view same-sex parenting negatively due to their religious beliefs, cultural norms, and traditional values.
Research has shown that children raised by same-sex parents are no different from those raised by heterosexual parents regarding academic performance, mental health, social skills, and overall wellbeing.
Despite this evidence, some governments continue to deny the right of same-sex couples to adopt or have children through surrogacy because they fear that exposing them to such an environment will harm their development.
Russia banned any form of gay propaganda in 2013 after being criticized at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. It also prohibits adoption by gays and lesbians. The country's lawmakers argued that children need a mother and father to grow up normally, which goes against what society has believed since ancient times.
Countries like Australia have taken a more progressive stance towards same-sex parenting. They allow same-sex couples to legally adopt children without discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Same-sex marriages are now legal, and the government provides financial support to LGBTQ+ families as part of its efforts to promote equality.
The question remains: should society be concerned about the effect of same-sex parenting on child development? What empirical evidence can inform this debate? A study conducted by the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) found that children with two mothers had better outcomes than those with single moms when it comes to educational attainment, emotional stability, and self-esteem.
There is still no conclusive evidence whether kids raised by same-sex parents experience higher levels of stress or anxiety than their heterosexual counterparts.
While societal beliefs may hinder policies regarding same-sex parenting, scientific research suggests that children raised by these families do not suffer any disadvantages compared to their peers. Therefore, governments must consider the evidence before making decisions that affect families' wellbeing.