American scientific study shows that same-sex marriage is in the best interests of children
The American Academy of Pediatrics declared its support for same-sex marriage yesterday when it published a report showing that children will benefit if their parents are allowed to marry.
‘Children need secure and enduring relationships with committed and nurturing adults to enhance their life experiences for optimal social-emotional and cognitive development,’ said the abstract from the Academy’s review of scientific literature, which took four years to complete and includes 60 citations, New York Times reports.
Studies examined in the report showed that children in two-parent families have less behavioral problems than children from one-parent families, regardless of the gender of the parents.
‘Scientific evidence affirms that children have similar developmental and emotional needs and receive similar parenting whether they are raised by parents of the same or different genders.’
Australian Marriage Equality (AME) national director Rodney Croome described the study as ‘landmark’.
‘It conclusively shows marriage equality is good for children and families, and not the kind of threat to families opponents of reform have previously claimed it is,’ said Croome, adding that AME would send the report to all Australian MPs, the majority of whom oppose same-sex marriage.
Australian gay father of two, Tom Snow, whose family was captured in touching portrait photography by his mother, said:
‘My family faces institutionalized discrimination every day because my partner and I cannot marry… Allowing gay and lesbian parents to marry helps gives stability and permanency to relationships, and removes stigma and prejudice, both of which are good for children.’
The American Academy of Pediatrics report added:
‘If a child has two living and capable parents who choose to create a permanent bond by way of civil marriage, it is in the best interests of their child(ren) that legal and social institutions allow and support them to do so, irrespective of their sexual orientation.’
by Anna Leach
Source – Gay Star News
