The state has an obligation to protect the health and welfare of a child, but when a state solely bases its decision on the sexuality of a parent, the child's best interest is not taken into consideration, which can often cause a child to suffer psychologically and emotionally. Courts should embrace a "sexual-orientation neutrality- approach to child custody determinations, just as our nation's capitol has. .
Now, let us address the issue of why gay parenting should be accepted by society. Strong families are marked as having nurturing, caring, and loving characteristics. It is completely unrelated to the sexuality of the parents. In fact, numerous studies have indicated that children raised by homosexual parents grow up to be just as healthy and well adjusted as children raised by heterosexual parents according to www.tourolaw.edu. Parents should be judged by their ability to be good parents, not by their sexual orientation. Society should worry more about the general welfare and safety of the child. A homosexual couple raising a child is no different than having two relatives of the same sex raising a child. Unfortunately, society has a tendency to reject differences. This only creates havoc for a child of homosexual parents. According to www.family.org in many studies, gay and lesbians have been proven to be better parents than many heterosexual parents. This is due to their openness and willingness to address issues that non-gay parents avoid or taboo. Also, homosexual parents have a tendency to show more affection and understanding to their children, thus providing the children with a feeling of being loved and wanted. No longer should society deem gays and lesbians unfit to parent children. Because of the research and studies done on the positive influences homosexual parents have on their children, heterosexual parents should reexamine their parenting techniques. It is most important to remember that families are about love, not about narrow definitions.