A journal Article Review of Children of Lesbian and Gay parents Essay

A journal Article Review of Children of Lesbian and Gay parents - Essay Example One major aspect concerning gay and lesbian families is the diversity of the family structure as apart from the couple other people might also be involved in the family structure if in case the couple decide to conceive a child using a donor sperm or a surrogate mother in case of lesbians and gays respectively. In some cases, heterosexual couples after having children might undergo a change in sexual preferences that might result in divorce and eventual legal problems about the custody of the children. Legal problems are also encountered when gay or lesbian couples who have adopted children decide to separate. To begin with, there is considerable variation among various states across the world in recognizing marriage between the same sexes. While a mere 5 states in the US legally recognize same-sex marriages, many other states recognize such marriages conducted in other states or offer limited recognition or do not support them at all. While there are civil unions for these couples i n certain states, they are denied of any kind of federal benefits. In most cases people who argue against legalization of same-sex marriages cite child rearing as a major reason. However laws have been more kind on the children of gay and lesbian parents as they are eligible for health care and insurance and would be protected by law if their parents are married legally. The legal issues surrounding the custody of children and visitation by such parents have also come under scrutiny citing reasons such as the parent’s relationship with a same-sex individual may have adverse effects on the mind of the children. The court rulings in this aspect in several states is divided as some courts have ruled a favorable opinion while others have maintained that individuals with same-sex partners would not make a good parent as it might have a bad influence on the child. While legal issues still loom large with respect to lesbians and gay people taking custody of their own children, laws