I realise this might seem controversial to those who oppose LGBT rights (or as I think of them, ‘human rights’), but according to research conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, children raised by same-sex parents progress emotionally, socially and educationally at the same rate as other children.
Some messages to take home:
- Having two parents who are the same gender does not, in and of itself, harm children.
- The biggest challenge faced by children raised by same-sex parents is social stigma.
- Social stigma starts with you and me. We can all help lessen the harm of social stigma by expressing acceptance in our own homes – whatever their make-up.
Justine Dean – Samford Family Law