MARRIAGE EQUALITY - SHOULD SAME-SEX COUPLES BE ALLOWED TO MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN?

I am a strong advocate of two-parent families. I believe that what is best for kids is two human beings who are totally devoted to each other and to their children—two parents who are actively involved in their child’s life from the beginning.

And if those two devoted parents have taken marriage vows and are totally committed to each other, it’s even better for their children. Marriage brings security and a feeling of safety, both physically and emotionally, to the family.

It is also my belief that whether parents are heterosexual or homosexual, it makes no difference. What does matter is the love and commitment in the relationship. Your sexual orientation does not prevent you from loving and cherishing another person. Nor does it preclude you from raising healthy, happy children.

I think it’s important that children receive both the female and the male influences while growing up. In my experience, one gay partner usually leans more toward the female persuasion, and the other partner more towards the male influence.

Moreover, isn’t it an expansion of American family values if couples, gay or straight, are allowed to marry and raise children? I don’t understand why the right wing in this country is so against gay marriage. I always go back to what is best for children and how we can increase the number of healthy and productive human beings in America and around the world. I believe that denying any human couple the ability to marry and have children decreases the health and well-being of society.

I also believe that gay couples could perform a valuable service in our country by adopting special-needs children from the foster care system. As an adoptive parent myself, I know how challenging yet rewarding adoption is. And there are so many children in foster care who need loving homes. Why shouldn’t gay folks have the opportunity to marry and raise children?

Finally, how does legalizing gay marriage threaten heterosexual marriage? If we are secure in our own sexuality, we will welcome marriage for any two human beings who are in love and want to spend their lives together. In my opinion, this only enhances our communities and brings more love and family values into our world.