Does the Sexual Preference of a Parent Matter?
Sexual Orientation
". . . a person's sexual orientation has no bearing on his or her capacity
to be a good parent" (Gilson). Also there have been studies that have
said, "a remarkable absence of distinguishing features between the
lifestyles, child rearing practices, and general demographic data"
when explaining why queer couples are stable (Gilson).
According to
the American Psychological Association, " not a single study has found
children of gay and lesbian parents are likely as those provided by heterosexual
parents to support and enable children psychosocial growth".
In 1976 the
A. P. A. state that "(t)he sex, gender identity (transgender), or sexual
orientation of natural or prospective adoptive or foster parents should not be
the sole or primary variable considered in custody or placement
cases." The National Association of Social Workers works to end
discrimination against queers. The NASW's code of ethics states "the
social worker should not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate with any
form of discrimination on the basis of. . . sexual orientation."