In this day and age, families come in all shapes and sizes. Some families are complete in the traditional way: a mother, a father, a golden retriever and 2.5 children. Other families are complete in an alternative sense of the word: one parent in the home, two parents in different homes, or children being raised by grandparents, uncles or aunts. Increasingly, some families have two same-sex parents, adding yet another facet to the idea of the family unit. Adoption by gay and lesbian couples is controversial, and it is important to consider potential disadvantages as well as advantages.
Traditional Christian Values
According to the General Social Survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, 22 percent of Americans say they never go to church. Even so, most consider the United States a Christian country that upholds traditional Christian values. Many conservative Christians believe that homosexuality is sinful, and gay people often face various kinds of discrimination. Their children might face similar issues.
Potential for Teasing and Bullying
Another important consideration for children who have been adopted by gay parents is the potential for teasing and bullying as they get older. Children can be cruel, especially to other children whose lives are unusual in some way. Having been adopted by two men or two women is just one more thing a child might have to struggle with at school.
Distorted Relationship Models
Another potential issue for children who have been adopted by a gay couple is that this relationship model is outside the usual social norm. The First Post's feature article on the "Pros and Cons of Gay Adoption" suggests that children raised by two gay parents might be more likely to be gay because that is the only relationship model they know.
Male and Female Role Models
"To grow up to be well-balanced adult, children need role models of both sexes," according to The First Post's list of pros and cons of gay adoption. "Boys without fathers under-achieve, especially since there are now fewer male teachers in primary schools." Children adopted by two parents of the same sex must find role models of the gender they are lacking in other areas, like relatives or friends.
