What Does the Psychological Research Say About Same-Sex Families and Relationships?
The issue of same-sex marriage has become a topic of much public debate in the United States. The Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ordered the state government to issue marriage licenses without regard to sexual orientation beginning May 17, 2004. The U.S. Congress and a number of state legislatures are considering legislation to amend the U.S. or state constitutions, respectively, to prohibit same-sex marriage. Furthermore, marriages of same-sex couples have been performed openly in California, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon in recent months, and cases arising from those marriages, as well as other cases that predate the performances of marriages, are under judicial consideration. This briefing paper is designed to inform the public policy debate on same-sex marriage with knowledge gained from psychological research. Much can be learned from the extensive empirical literature on sexual orientation, lesbian and gay couples and their children, and the effects of prejudice and discrimination. Sexual Orientation http://www.apa.org/ppo/issues/lgbfamilybrf604.html What is sexual orientation? Sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction to another person. It is easily distinguished from other components of sexuality, including biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and the social gender role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behavior). Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior, because it refers to feeling and self concept. Persons may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors. Is sexual orientation a choice? No, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed. Human beings cannot choose to be either gay or straight. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence prior to any sexual experience. Is homosexuality a mental disorder? No, homosexuality is not a mental disorder. For close to 30 years, both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association have urged all mental health professionals to help dispel this myth. Lesbian and Gay Couples and Their Children Do gay men and lesbians desire and have committed relationships? Yes, survey data indicate that between 40% and 60% of gay men and between 45% and 80% of lesbians are currently involved in a committed relationship. In addition, between 18% and 28% of gay couples and 8% and 21% of lesbian couples have lived together 10 years or more. Factors that predict relationship satisfaction, commitment, and stability are remarkably similar for both same-sex cohabiting couples and heterosexual married couples. Do gay and lesbian adults make fit parents? Gay and lesbian parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide healthy and supportive environments for their children. Lesbian and heterosexual women do not differ markedly either in their overall mental health or in their approaches to child rearing. Nor do lesbians' romantic and sexual relationships with other women detract from their ability to care for their children. Recent evidence suggests that gay and lesbian couples with children tend to divide child care and household responsibilities evenly and to report satisfaction with their relationship. Does parental sexual orientation affect children's development? Studies of various aspects of child development reveal few differences among children of lesbian mothers and heterosexual parents in such areas as personality, self-concept, behavior, and sexual identity. (Only limited data are available on these dimensions for children of gay fathers.) Evidence also suggests that children of lesbian and gay parents have normal social relationships with peers and adults. Fears about children of lesbian or gay parents being sexually abused by adults, ostracized by peers, or isolated in single-sex lesbian or gay communities have received no scientific support. Effects of Prejudice and Discrimination What are the effects of prejudice and discrimination on lesbians and gay men and their children? There is growing recognition that social prejudice and discrimination against lesbians and gay men take a cumulative toll on their well-being. Within lesbian and gay populations, those who more frequently feel stigmatized or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, who feel compelled to conceal their homosexuality, or who are prevented from affiliating with other lesbian or gay individuals tend to report more frequent stress and other mental health concerns. Children of same-sex couples are also vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination directed against their parents and may experience stress as a result. Furthermore, violence associated with hate crimes places lesbians and gay men at risk for physical harm to themselves, their families, and their property. Are there tangible benefits associated with marriage that lesbian and gay couples and their children are being denied? Yes, the U.S. General Accounting Office has identified over 1,000 federal statutory provisions in which marital status is a factor in the determination or receipt of benefits, rights, and privileges for lesbian and gay couples and their children. These include provisions concerning taxation, federal loans, and dependent and survivor benefits (e.g., Social Security, military, and veterans). In addition, there are numerous state, local, and private sector laws and other provisions in which marital status is a factor in determining or receiving benefits, rights, and privileges, such as taxation, health insurance, health care decision-making (including spousal privileges in medical emergency situations), co-parental adoption of children, property rights, pension and retirement benefits, and inheritance. In contrast, benefits, rights, and privileges associated with domestic partnerships and civil unions are not universally available, are not equal to those associated with marriage, and are rarely portable. Conclusion Psychological research provides no evidence to justify discrimination against same-sex couples and families. Accordingly, it is the longstanding policy of the American Psychological Association (APA) to deplore "all public and private discrimination in such areas as employment, housing, public accommodation, and licensing" against gay men and lesbians, as stated in a 1975 policy resolution of the Council of Representatives. The Association more recently stated its support for the "provision to same-sex couples of the legal benefits that typically accrue as a result of marriage to same-sex couples who desire and seek the legal benefits" in a 1998 Council resolution. Psychological research and association policy are not consistent with legislation proposed at the federal and state levels that would amend the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions, respectively, to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples. Selected References American Psychological Association (1995). Lesbian and Gay Parenting: A Resource for Psychologists. American Psychological Association (1998). Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality. This document is based on the June 2004 research summary prepared by the American Psychological Association Working Group on Same-Sex Families and Relationships. -- www.gaybombay.info ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/WfTolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Group Site: http://www.gaybombay.info ========================== NEW CLASSIFIEDS SECTION SEEKING FRIENDS? VISIT www.gaybombay.info click on classified section and type your message in the post section once the link opens This message was posted to the gay_bombay Yahoo! Group. Responses to messages (by clicking "Reply") will also be posted on the eGroup and sent to all members. 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