In response to the articles by Professor David Crane and John Stevens regarding potential problems with a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage, attorney Nicholas P. Miller has offered the following essay in which he responded to The Future of Marriage, by David Blankenhorn. One of the bedrock principles of ReligiousLiberty.TV is to present opportunity for all thoughtful voices to be heard on the issue. If you have a view on the issue, please respond via comment below or submit an essay for publication.
It’s About the Kids, Stupid
A Review of The Future of Marriage by David Blankenhorn
By Nicholas P. Miller, Esq.
David Blankenhorn, marriage and family policy advocate, is a Christian. He takes the Bible seriously. He just disagrees with what it says about homosexual practice. He thinks that principles of equality mean that practicing homosexuals should be treated with full acceptance and affirmation in America today. But he firmly opposes gay marriage. He does so for one fundamental reason: he believes strongly that “every child has a right to a mother and a father.”
A few years ago, this statement would have been considered a truism-so banal as to hardly be worth mentioning. This is no longer the case. Blankenhorn wants to re-direct the marriage debate to focus on children. Staffers for Bill Clinton in the ’92 election kept their team focused on the key campaign issue by coining the term “it’s about the economy, stupid.” Blankenhorn’s book argues that in the gay-marriage debate the key mantra should be-he uses the idea though not the phrase-“its about the kids, stupid.”
Blankenhorn’s book, The Future of Marriage, argues that the raising of kids by their parents stands as the core concern and reason for the societal institution of marriage. Many close, personal, even intimate relationships exist in society, but for some reason the marriage relationship has been singled out by society for special acknowledgement and protection. Blankenhorn uses history, sociology, and current empirical, scientific evidence to support an argument that the societal institution of marriage has as its core, public value the effective raising of children. He makes a strong case, using data from 35 countries, that in those countries where gay marriage is accepted, commitment to marriage and family as the proper context for raising children is significantly weaker than in those countries where only traditional marriage is allowed.
Blankenhorne’s book is a must read for all those that sense there is something important, even vital, for society in the traditional institution of marriage, but have trouble articulating that belief in other than religious or Biblical terms. Many people think that the definition of marriage as a man and a woman is purely or at least primarily a Biblically-based concept. They think-including even many Christians-that enshrining that model into law is akin to imposing spiritual values on non-believers. This, they argue, would violate America’s fundamental commitment to the separation of church and state.
Blankenhorne convincingly shows why this argument is wrong. He begins by revealing that marriage existed well prior to the Biblical culture of the Israelites, and that at very early point in the historical record it already served as a fundamental societal unit for the rearing of children. He demonstrates that while sexual activity existed in a number of different forms and ways in different societies, that marriage was a way that societies consistently elevated the role of women and protected the rearing of children. More than half a millennium before Moses wrote the Torah, Lipit-Ishtar, ruler of the Tigris-Euphrates Valley and promulgator of one of the world’s first legal codes, proclaimed, “I made the father support his children. I made the child support his father. I made the father stand by his children.” (48) Almost a quarter of Hammurabi’s 275 legal provisions in his famous Code-written centuries before Moses-are concerned with traditional marriage and family life.
Not only did traditional marriage exist prior to the Hebrew culture, but it also existed, and exists, pervasively outside Judeo/Christian cultures. Indeed, Blankenhorne argues that marriage, traditional marriage between a man and a woman, is a universal concept or rule. Virtually all cultures and societies have had this concept of marriage, and the concept has almost invariably involved the care of children by their biological parents. In a fascinating cross-cultural analysis he shows how certain obscure groups within certain societies, the Nayars in southwest India, the Nuer in eastern Africa, have for limited periods of time under extreme pressures modified the traditional arrangement. But these exceptions are generally very limited, often short-lived, and are the exceptions that prove the universal rule. They are recognized as exceptions because the rule is so pervasive, both through time and across societies and cultures.
The Bible certainly supports the notion of the traditional family unit, with spouses in a mutual relationship of love and care, with roles of support and care for their children. But the Bible itself, which did not begin to be written until after the 15th century BC, did not originate the traditional family unit. Certainly, arguments for the family are not limited to the Bible. On the contrary, cultures, societies and civilizations through time have seen the importance of the family unit to children and to society. What most societies have seen through instinct and experience, we in our modern age have demonstrated through scientific studies.
Blankenhorne cites leading family scholar, David Popenoe, as summarizing the evidence this way: “Few propositions have more empirical support in the social sciences than this one: Compared to all other family forms, families headed by married, biological parents are best for children.” (123) Everything from educational outcomes to mental health to cognitive development to social stability to avoidance of risky social and sexual behaviors to educational and employment success is positively affected by a child living with his or her own mother and father.[1] Another leading family expert put it this way, “research clearly demonstrates that family structure matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family headed by two biological parents in a low-conflict marriage . . . Thus, it is not simply the presence of two parents, as some have assumed, but the presence of two biological parents that seems to support children’s development.” (123)
Blankenhorne shows that commitment to marriage as an institution suffers in a society that accepts gay marriage or even civil unions. In perhaps the most compelling part of the book, he shows that the statistical support for marriage and child-rearing in the context of marriage is significantly weaker in countries that accept either gay marriage or same sex unions. He reports the results of the International Social Survey Programme that reported responses in 35 countries to a wide range of questions on marriage and family life. Almost without exception, countries that had same-sex marriage viewed marriage as less important generally, and less important to raising children in particular, than countries with only traditional marriage. In countries that allowed gay marriage, only 21.5% of those surveyed believed that “Married people are happier,” versus 43.5% of those in countries with only traditional marriage. Similarly, in gay-marriage countries, only 37.8% of respondents believed that “People who want children should marry,” whereas 60.3% of respondents in traditional-marriage countries thought so.
Blankenhorne acknowledges that this study shows correlation rather than cause, but to him correlation is very important. The attack on the traditional family-child rearing unit is multi-pronged. Teasing out what elements are responsible for what amount of decline is not necessary to know that all correlated variables, insofar as reasonably possible, should be avoided and minimized. He is convinced, through the testimony of both family and anti-family advocates alike, that those on both sides of the discussion see gay marriage as weakening the commitment to marriage generally and traditional forms of child-rearing in particular. He is willing to sacrifice what he views as the lesser good of marital equality for gays, for the greater good of healthier, happier, more successful children.
Blankenhorn’s book has gaps in it. He relies perhaps too heavily on expert assertions that biological parents provide the best environment for child rearing. He could have discussed some of the data presented in the underlying studies that he cites. He also does not explain why he is willing to accept less-than-ideal, stop gap measures such as step-parenting and adoptions, but not parenting by two parents in a committed gay relationship. His oversight here is somewhat surprising, as his earlier book, Fatherless America, has been termed the “bible of the Fatherhood movement.” There are plenty of studies showing the importance to the health and welfare of a child of the influence and involvement of parents of both genders.[2]
For instance, an Australian study showed that children from traditional-marriage households outperform children from unmarried heterosexual households, and that children from both forms of heterosexual households outperformed the children living in homosexual households.[3]
Similarly, a recent study found that teenagers living with their two
biological parents have significantly improved mental health and academic achievement, and significantly lower rates of serious behavioral problems at school, compared to teenagers living in single parent households or “blended families.” This study was sponsored by the Urban Institute, which has published material in favor of same-sex marriage, but frankly concludes that “the most favorable outcomes we observe are for teenagers living with their biological parents who are married to each other.”[4]
The American Psychological Association’s Review of General Psychology, recently contained an article that concludes that there is overwhelming evidence that the love of mothers and fathers differs in significant ways, and that the receipt of both kinds of love is very beneficial to children.[5]
Also, Blankenhorn does not really explain why opposing gay marriage rises to the level of a moral imperative. In an imperfect world, we accept all sorts of arrangements for child rearing that are less than ideal. Given that some children are orphans, and many are raised by poor, single parents, why should society in principle object to the alternative of an affluent, stable household of two mothers or two fathers raising children? Absent from Blankenhorn’s book is a discussion of morality. Indeed, the words “moral” or “morality” do not appear in the index. Perhaps this is to escape the labeling of the book as a religious argument. But ultimately any argument about opposition to gay marriage, and the prevention of adoption by gay couples, that hopes to be successful must involve a discussion of morality.
Our society is confused about the status of morality in relation to law. Often people say, “you cannot legislate morality.” But we do, all the time. Laws against murder, theft, and public nudity all involve implementation of moral principles. These have to do with civic morality, right and wrong that directly and primarily impacts others. What the state should not involve itself in is morality that is primarily religious, such as acts or conduct that primarily involves our relation to God, e.g., prayers, religious rites, days of worship, etc. So the fundamental question becomes is the question of homosexuality and gay marriage a question of civil or religious morality?
Despite not framing his discussion in these terms, Blankenhorn provides materials and data that strongly support the view that gay marriage involves questions of civic morality. The universal nature of traditional marriage, the importance of biological parents to both conception and child-rearing, the importance of both genders to the raising and formation of healthy children, and the weakening of marriage and family in those countries where gay marriage is accepted all provide support for the notion that the state has a civil moral interest in affirming traditional marriage and preventing gay marriage. To make the argument more complete, one would need to venture into the world of the dynamics and results of the gay relationship.
Government statistics have shown that gay persons are between at least five to ten (depending on gender and relationship status) more likely to experience domestic violence with their partners than heterosexuals.[6] Rates of domestic violence among lesbian relationships approach fifty percent in a number of studies.[7] It is well known that the rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is far higher in the gay community.[8] The sexual practices of that community are far riskier and associated with, among other negatives, higher rates of eating disorders, depression and suicide.[9] Indeed, according to the International Journal of Epidemiology, participants in the gay lifestyle lose an estimated 8 to 20 years in lifespan.[10]
Institutionalizing gay marriage would not only weaken traditional marriage and family, as Blankenhorn demonstrates, it would also provide legitimacy and affirmation to that lifestyle in the eyes of children. More people would be raised in gay households, and children in public schools would be educated that such a lifestyle was an acceptable, viable alternative lifestyle. Studies have shown that children raised in gay-led households suffer from higher levels of gender disorientation, and that girls engage earlier in sexually risky and promiscuous behavior.[11] It is not just unwise, but wrong, to knowingly place children where they face these sorts of increased risks to their health and welfare.
Several thousand years of nearly universal experience has shown that traditional marriage, with all its flaws and shortcomings, is a very good way of raising children. Gay marriage has nearly a zero track record in this regard. The scant evidence that does exist is troubling. Given the instabilities and pathologies associated with gay relationships, whatever their sources, should we bet our society’s future-our childrens’ future-on gay families providing an equally good child-rearing environment?
Some will argue that these pathologies and instabilities are caused, in some part, by societal discrimination. These arguments overlook the fact that in our coastal cities, where the gay population is the greatest, acceptance of the gay lifestyle has been widespread for many years now. But still the troubling tendencies detailed above persist. At the least, it would seem wise to let gay relationships go through a period of time with some sort of civil union, to see if they can provide a track record of stability and reliability, before we bestow on them the honor of carrying out society’s most delicate and important task-the raising of our children. Because fundamentally, it is not about equality, or sameness, or self-actualization, or self-affirmation, or self-respect, or self-anything, rather, it’s about the kids, stupid.
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[1] In support of these claims, Blankenhorne cites to the research brief by Kristin Anderson Moore et al., Marriage from a Child’s Perspective: How Does Family Structure Affect Children, and What Can We Do About It? (Washington, D.C.: Child Trends, Research Brief, June 2002), pp. 1-2.
[2] A number of such studies are collected at www.childtrends.org.
[3] Sarantakos, Sotirios, Children in Three Contexts: Family, Education & Social Development, 21 Children Australia No. 3, 1995 (finding that children of married heterosexual couples do significantly better in a broad range of academic areas than children of unmarried heterosexual couples. And that the children of married and unmarried heterosexual couples significantly outperform children raised by homosexual couples).
[4] Sandi Nelson, Rebecca L. Clark, Gregory Acts, “Beyond the Two-Parent Family: How Teenagers Fare in Cohabitating Couple and Blended Families,” www.urbaninstitute.org (finding that teenagers living with their two biological parents have significantly improved mental health and academic achievement and significantly lower rates of serious behavioral problems at school compared to teenagers living in single parent households or blended families. This study was sponsored by the Urban Institute which has published material in favor of gay marriage, but frankly concludes that “The most favorable outcomes we observe are for teenagers living with their biological parents who are married to each other.”)
[5] Ronald P. and Veneziano, Robert A., “The Importance of Father Love: History and Contemporary Evidence,” 5 Review of General Psychology, Volume 5(4), December 2001: 382-405, http://academic.uofs.edu/student/sitoskis2/fatherlove.html. This and other material on negative outcomes associated with children being raised in non-traditional households is discussed by James Standish in “Equality and Matrimony,” Liberty, Sept/Oct 2004.
[6]”Gay Domestic Violence Finally Measured,” Journal of the Family Research Institute, Vol. 16, No. 8, Dec. 2001, at http://www.familyresearchinst.org/FRR_01_12.html
[7] Several such studies are discussed in Janice Ristock, No More Secrets: Violence in Lesbian Relationships (New York: Routledge, 2002), 10-12.
[8] Homosexuals contract syphilis at up to 10 times the rate of heterosexuals C. M. Hutchinson et al., “Characteristics of Patients with Syphilis Attending Baltimore STD Clinics,” Archives of Internal Medicine 151 (1991): 511-516; incidence of gonorrhea are estimated to be 3.7 times higher among homosexual males than heterosexual males. Vincelette et al., “Predicators of Chlamydial Infection and Gonorrhea among Patients Seen by Private Practitioners,” Canadian Medical Association Journal 144 (1995): 713-721); They experience dramatically increased incidence of HIV/AIDS. For example, according to AVERT, an international HIV/AIDS charity, in Australia “A history of male homosexual contact was reported in more than 85% of newly acquired HIV infection diagnosed in 1997 to 2001 http://www.avert.org/ausstatg.htm.
[9] Articles supporting these statements can be found in Sexually Transmitted Infections and other scientific journals described at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/
2007/09/070913132930.htm.
[10] (Robert S. Hogg et al., “Modeling the Impact of HIV Disease on Mortality in Gay and Bisexual Men,” International Journal of Epidemiology 26 (1997)).
[11] For the discussion of an article relating to this in the American Sociological Review, see http://www.narth.com/docs/does.html.
Um, no.
Um, no.
The fact is that every sin is equal… we are all sinners. Jesus wants us to love one another and show grace and kindness. A heterosexual marridge in which one parent is having an affair would be just as “detremental” as a homosexual marridge.
The fact is that every sin is equal… we are all sinners. Jesus wants us to love one another and show grace and kindness. A heterosexual marridge in which one parent is having an affair would be just as “detremental” as a homosexual marridge.
I agree that children need familial male and female role models. And they need them on a daily basis. Unfortunately, because of the number of unmarried mothers and families suffering from divorce, children are not having the opportunity to receive them. I think that, before we start condemning unconventional unions, we start working on stabilizing family units so our children can have appropriate role models.
I agree that children need familial male and female role models. And they need them on a daily basis. Unfortunately, because of the number of unmarried mothers and families suffering from divorce, children are not having the opportunity to receive them. I think that, before we start condemning unconventional unions, we start working on stabilizing family units so our children can have appropriate role models.
Children need parental figures in their life to help nourish their minds as well as their bodies. As to whether or not gay couples can provide this support is debatable. I’ve known gay people that would be terrific parents, and I’ve know heterosexuals that are terible parents and vice versa. Let’s just remember that the basic family unit is the foundation of our society. And we need a firm foundation.
Children need parental figures in their life to help nourish their minds as well as their bodies. As to whether or not gay couples can provide this support is debatable. I’ve known gay people that would be terrific parents, and I’ve know heterosexuals that are terible parents and vice versa. Let’s just remember that the basic family unit is the foundation of our society. And we need a firm foundation.
There are many false assumptions here. One is that every gay couple wants to have kids. Should they be denied marriage rights when they don’t want to raise kids? Another is that kids growing up in single parent households are more maladjusted than those raised by two parents. Is there really qualitative evidence suggesting this? And if that is the case, then shouldn’t single parents not be allowed to raise children (assuming you believe this hogwash)? Finally, the assumption is that in a gay marriage, children will not have role models from both sexes. Uncles and aunts can help out, as well as programs like the Big Brothers and Sister. Using children as the reason for banning gay marriage is not rational thinking; it’s just a way to try to rationalize hatred.
There are many false assumptions here. One is that every gay couple wants to have kids. Should they be denied marriage rights when they don’t want to raise kids? Another is that kids growing up in single parent households are more maladjusted than those raised by two parents. Is there really qualitative evidence suggesting this? And if that is the case, then shouldn’t single parents not be allowed to raise children (assuming you believe this hogwash)? Finally, the assumption is that in a gay marriage, children will not have role models from both sexes. Uncles and aunts can help out, as well as programs like the Big Brothers and Sister. Using children as the reason for banning gay marriage is not rational thinking; it’s just a way to try to rationalize hatred.
Frankly, I don’t believe that it’s “for the kids” – THAT is stupid. Those who want to keep gay people from having the same rights as straight people just use that as an excuse. How ridiculous for them to think we’d fall for that. It’s the legality of marrige that is at stake. It gives rights to a man and a woman, so why not a gay couple? To not give them equal rights is bigotry, plain and simple. I am not going to fall for that line “it’s for the kids” – LOL, sure it is. The bigots will say anything to get their way. But we know the truth. Bigots are just that – bigots! Bigotry is not moral!
Frankly, I don’t believe that it’s “for the kids” – THAT is stupid. Those who want to keep gay people from having the same rights as straight people just use that as an excuse. How ridiculous for them to think we’d fall for that. It’s the legality of marrige that is at stake. It gives rights to a man and a woman, so why not a gay couple? To not give them equal rights is bigotry, plain and simple. I am not going to fall for that line “it’s for the kids” – LOL, sure it is. The bigots will say anything to get their way. But we know the truth. Bigots are just that – bigots! Bigotry is not moral!
Outlawing gay marriage will not stop gay relationships. People will choose to live in whatever relationship they see fit and operate as a family unit if that is what they want to do. So, why are we wasting time and money debating gay marriage? Legalize it!
Outlawing gay marriage will not stop gay relationships. People will choose to live in whatever relationship they see fit and operate as a family unit if that is what they want to do. So, why are we wasting time and money debating gay marriage? Legalize it!
I agree.
The risk that is there is hooking up with Dominionists that want to actually stone gays and others. They are the engine that is pushing this agenda.
Pretty ridiculous “reasoning.” I don’t want to bother counting the number of fallacies. Riiiight, ALL married people and ONLY married people ever take care of children. Kids can ONLY have decent lives if they learn standard sexist stereotyped behavior from one “mother” and one “father” in the home (even if one or both are out of the house most of their lives eg constant business trips, even if the parents don’t conform to stereotypical gender roles–or do you want to get rid of any home that doesn’t have a “masculine” male breadwinner and a “feminine” housewife?), and, as pointed out, if they have at least one male and at least one female adult in the home who are not their legal parents/guardians.
Only certain religions and individuals think that marriage == family units, that family units == raising of children, that raising children == having decent female caretakers, that having decent female caretakers == having mothers, that protecting children == having good male protectors, that having good male protectors == having male fathers, etc etc. That’s a lot of assumptions to make. “Some cultures, not just Christian ones, thought that family units should care for children” is not the same as “Homosexual legal marriage is child abuse.” Try some logic, people.
Let’s not forget that gender is entirely cultural, based on prejudices, not science. What do you do with people with XXX, XXY, XX/XY mosaic, XYY, or XXXX sex chromosomes? (Maybe they’re not “real people”? Maybe you need to be XX or XY to be counted human?) What about someone with XX chromosomes but, due to hormonal exposure as a fetus, has a body shape, genitals, voice, body hair, etc closer to a typical male than a typical female–if s/he wants to marry a typical XX female, is that gay marriage? Does any of this matter??
If you really want to give couples equal rights but, for any reason, want to make it illegal for certain couples to have children, then make THAT a law. It’s ok for Asians to be “treated with full acceptance and affirmation” but not to have children? Outlaw Asian parents! How about Africans, mixed races, left-handed people, people whose favorite color is yellow, people who are taller than 5’9″, people who weigh less than 140 pounds? Don’t ban them from getting married, make it illegal for them to have kids! Just get right to the point. If you want “ban gay marriage to keep them from having kids” to have any valid point, change the law so only married people can have kids, duh. Homosexual people are having kids with or without marriage, and I see it as no more inherently good or bad than heterosexual people having kids.
Pretty ridiculous “reasoning.” I don’t want to bother counting the number of fallacies. Riiiight, ALL married people and ONLY married people ever take care of children. Kids can ONLY have decent lives if they learn standard sexist stereotyped behavior from one “mother” and one “father” in the home (even if one or both are out of the house most of their lives eg constant business trips, even if the parents don’t conform to stereotypical gender roles–or do you want to get rid of any home that doesn’t have a “masculine” male breadwinner and a “feminine” housewife?), and, as pointed out, if they have at least one male and at least one female adult in the home who are not their legal parents/guardians.
Only certain religions and individuals think that marriage == family units, that family units == raising of children, that raising children == having decent female caretakers, that having decent female caretakers == having mothers, that protecting children == having good male protectors, that having good male protectors == having male fathers, etc etc. That’s a lot of assumptions to make. “Some cultures, not just Christian ones, thought that family units should care for children” is not the same as “Homosexual legal marriage is child abuse.” Try some logic, people.
Let’s not forget that gender is entirely cultural, based on prejudices, not science. What do you do with people with XXX, XXY, XX/XY mosaic, XYY, or XXXX sex chromosomes? (Maybe they’re not “real people”? Maybe you need to be XX or XY to be counted human?) What about someone with XX chromosomes but, due to hormonal exposure as a fetus, has a body shape, genitals, voice, body hair, etc closer to a typical male than a typical female–if s/he wants to marry a typical XX female, is that gay marriage? Does any of this matter??
If you really want to give couples equal rights but, for any reason, want to make it illegal for certain couples to have children, then make THAT a law. It’s ok for Asians to be “treated with full acceptance and affirmation” but not to have children? Outlaw Asian parents! How about Africans, mixed races, left-handed people, people whose favorite color is yellow, people who are taller than 5’9″, people who weigh less than 140 pounds? Don’t ban them from getting married, make it illegal for them to have kids! Just get right to the point. If you want “ban gay marriage to keep them from having kids” to have any valid point, change the law so only married people can have kids, duh. Homosexual people are having kids with or without marriage, and I see it as no more inherently good or bad than heterosexual people having kids.
I must say that the article written: “It’s About The Kids, Stupid” covered a lot of ground. I believe the state should stay out of this issue of marriage. Many homosexual couples have raised children better than the traditional man and woman union. I feel that their committment to raising them takes a lot more guts with a traditional marriage. How hard it must be. Why shouldn’t homosexuals marry? Love is love, and a family unit is a family unit.
I must say that the article written: “It’s About The Kids, Stupid” covered a lot of ground. I believe the state should stay out of this issue of marriage. Many homosexual couples have raised children better than the traditional man and woman union. I feel that their committment to raising them takes a lot more guts with a traditional marriage. How hard it must be. Why shouldn’t homosexuals marry? Love is love, and a family unit is a family unit.
I am really torn between this issue. I believe that this article is great in defining the role of heterosexual vs. homosexual couples raising children. I think it is hard to raise a couple no matter your sexual orientation. I think that the world is changing and we should accept people for who they are. I mean, my main concern would be if it were 2 men raising a girl would they no how to deal with “women issues” and puberty or vice versa if it is women raising boy. It is sort of like a white couple raising an african american child. We they learn the values they need? I think all is in the fate of god of what the child will be in the future regardless of the parents sexual orientation.
I am really torn between this issue. I believe that this article is great in defining the role of heterosexual vs. homosexual couples raising children. I think it is hard to raise a couple no matter your sexual orientation. I think that the world is changing and we should accept people for who they are. I mean, my main concern would be if it were 2 men raising a girl would they no how to deal with “women issues” and puberty or vice versa if it is women raising boy. It is sort of like a white couple raising an african american child. We they learn the values they need? I think all is in the fate of god of what the child will be in the future regardless of the parents sexual orientation.
I believe as long as children are raised in a loving, nuturing enviroment, it doesn’t matter what their parent’s sexual orientation is. If two people love each other I feel it is their right to get married if that’s what they want to do.
I believe as long as children are raised in a loving, nuturing enviroment, it doesn’t matter what their parent’s sexual orientation is. If two people love each other I feel it is their right to get married if that’s what they want to do.
I believe as long as children are raised in a loving, nuturing enviroment, it doesn’t matter what their parent’s sexual orientation is. If two people love each other I feel it is their right to get married if that’s what they want to do.
As a Christian myself I do believe that all children deserve the right to be raised by both a mother and a father. BUT in today’s society that is often not the case. Its actually very sad- but as long as the child is recieving love and support from someone that is whats important.
As a Christian myself I do believe that all children deserve the right to be raised by both a mother and a father. BUT in today’s society that is often not the case. Its actually very sad- but as long as the child is recieving love and support from someone that is whats important.
Interesting summary of the book. I am Christian and I was raised in a family by my biological parents. I grew up to be successful, but I don’t really think this is the result of having a mother-father family. Certainly it has it’s merits but I have seen normal families that raised their children very bad. So I guess it’s all about the mentality of the child’s parents. If two people love each other and have no mental disabilities, i don’t see why they couldn’t raise a child in a proper way. We are all humans after all.
Interesting summary of the book. I am Christian and I was raised in a family by my biological parents. I grew up to be successful, but I don’t really think this is the result of having a mother-father family. Certainly it has it’s merits but I have seen normal families that raised their children very bad. So I guess it’s all about the mentality of the child’s parents. If two people love each other and have no mental disabilities, i don’t see why they couldn’t raise a child in a proper way. We are all humans after all.
To legalize gay marriage is to give an abnormal sexual lifestyle validity. It does harm kids as has been expressed well in the article with documented studies that have shown this fact. Such unions, the majority of them, are not stable and have higher negative risks than man/woman partnerships. But since this is such an emotional issue, and since gay people do contribute to society at work and even in service, it is often the conclusion that to deny them the last step of what would give them validation is being homophobic or down right unethical.
Since no solid nor comprehensive scientific studies show that homosexuality is a biological predetermination we must conclude other “choice” and environmental factors are at play. Thus, it is a moral issue as this lifestyle is chosen, not bequeathed. And coupled with the ever increasing scientific facts that such lifestyles are not more stable or even anything close to being equally as stable as heterosexual unions, gay marriage should not be allowed. It is not a valid, normal, biologically determined lifestyle. It is not only about the children, it ultimately is about societal stability and health. Eons of history have borne out this fact and stands as overwhelming evidence that heterosexual coupling is normal and safer than the extremely limited existence of same sex couple unions that reveal great dangers.
To legalize gay marriage is to give an abnormal sexual lifestyle validity. It does harm kids as has been expressed well in the article with documented studies that have shown this fact. Such unions, the majority of them, are not stable and have higher negative risks than man/woman partnerships. But since this is such an emotional issue, and since gay people do contribute to society at work and even in service, it is often the conclusion that to deny them the last step of what would give them validation is being homophobic or down right unethical.
Since no solid nor comprehensive scientific studies show that homosexuality is a biological predetermination we must conclude other “choice” and environmental factors are at play. Thus, it is a moral issue as this lifestyle is chosen, not bequeathed. And coupled with the ever increasing scientific facts that such lifestyles are not more stable or even anything close to being equally as stable as heterosexual unions, gay marriage should not be allowed. It is not a valid, normal, biologically determined lifestyle. It is not only about the children, it ultimately is about societal stability and health. Eons of history have borne out this fact and stands as overwhelming evidence that heterosexual coupling is normal and safer than the extremely limited existence of same sex couple unions that reveal great dangers.