There is no evidence anywhere in the world to suggest that gay and lesbian parents are more likely to abuse and murder their children, and those who think otherwise are possibly motivated by a gut repulsion of homosexuality. These thoughts from Emma Davies, programme leader (families and children) at the Auckland University of Technology's Institute of Public Policy, and David Semp, registered Auckland psychologist. In a jointly-written piece for today's Herald, the pair present a summary of existing evidence to suggest that sexual orientation has no effect on the wellbeing of children, and noting some studies that suggest same-sex parents may be better. "When children are asked about their experiences of being raised by same-sex parents, the only disadvantage they mention is the stigma that comes from outside their families," writes Davies and Semp. "Lack of social acceptance of families with gay and lesbian parents is more important than parents' sexuality." The pair say while it is encouraging that the Mayor of Auckland is concerned about outcomes for children, children of lesbian and gay parents are best served by civic leaders who promote social respect and acceptance for all loving and nurturing families.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 15th December 2004 - 12:00pm