Religious doctrines often influence national policies on same-sex adoption in both overt and subtle ways. These influences can be seen throughout history and across cultures, from ancient times to modern societies. In some cases, the influence is explicit and unambiguous, while in others it is more nuanced and difficult to detect.
There are several common themes that emerge when looking at how religion affects same-sex adoption laws.
One of the most obvious examples of religious doctrine influencing same-sex adoption policy comes from the Roman Catholic Church's stance against homosexuality. The church teaches that marriage should only be between one man and one woman, and that any act outside of this union, including same-sex relationships, is sinful. This belief has led to many countries adopting anti-gay policies, such as banning gay people from adopting children or even criminalizing their sexual activity.
In Uganda, a proposed law would have made homosexuality punishable by death, and also prohibited gay couples from adopting. Similarly, in Russia, President Vladimir Putin signed into law legislation banning "propaganda" promoting homosexuality, which effectively barred gay people from adopting children. In these cases, the influence of religion was very clear and direct.
Other instances of religious influence on same-sex adoption policy are less apparent, but no less significant.
Some Christian groups argue that children need both a mother and father figure in their lives, and therefore oppose same-sex adoptions. They contend that the best environment for children is one with a mother and father present, and that same-sex families cannot provide that. This argument often plays out in court battles over custody disputes, where judges must weigh the child's best interests against parental rights.
Some religions view children as a gift from God, and thus believe they should be placed in traditional homes with heterosexual parents. These factors can lead to delays or denials in same-sex adoption applications, even if there is no explicit ban in place.
In addition to explicit religious influences, cultural norms shaped by religion can also shape same-sex adoption laws. Many cultures view marriage as a sacred institution between a man and woman, and any deviation from this norm can be seen as threatening. This can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to find support within their communities when seeking to adopt a child. It also makes it more likely that legal systems will side with the majority opinion rather than protect the rights of minorities. Even in countries where same-sex couples have the right to marry, such as the United States, many states still allow for discrimination in adoption based on sexual orientation.
Religious doctrine has had a major impact on national policies surrounding same-sex adoption, both directly and indirectly. While some countries have made progress toward equality and acceptance, others remain mired in bigotry and intolerance due in large part to religious beliefs. As attitudes continue to shift, it remains to be seen how these policies will evolve and whether they will become more equitable for all families.
How do religious doctrines influence national policies on same-sex adoption in both overt and subtle ways?
Religious doctrines exert considerable influence on national policies regarding same-sex adoption in various ways. It is noteworthy that many nations that allow same-sex couples to adopt children are typically characterized by more secular environments than those countries that refuse to recognize such marriages and relationships.