The effect of same-sex parenting on child development is a highly politicized research topic. Various studies have come to different conclusions. Most studies suffer from sampling bias, too few participants, etc. (see “A Review and Critique of Research on Same-Sex Parenting and Adoption” for an analysis on every study related to same-sex parenting).

The most objective study to-date comes from the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the U.S. Center for Disease Control.  They collect a range of data on civilian households each year. Out of a sample of nearly 1.6 million people, they found a random and representative sampling of 512 children from same-sex parenting homes.  When compared to children raised by married parents of the opposite sex, they were found to have a significantly higher rate of emotional problems and developmental disabilities. 

Katy Faust notes that “this is not a commentary on whether or not gay and lesbians are capable parents. One’s sexual attractions do not determine their capacity for child-rearing. A lesbian can be an exceptional mother, she just cannot be a father. A gay man can be a fantastic father and I know several men who fit this description. However, a gay man cannot, no matter how nurturing, be a mother. Children require and desire both.”[1]

It’s time to stop politicizing this issue and let the data speak for itself. Same-sex parenting, just like single parenting, is not “just as good” as a mom and a dad.  Kids do best when they are raised by their biological mother and father.  While it’s not always possible for every child to be raised in this optimum setting, we should not intentionally deprive them of that setting by setting up same-sex parenting as equal to that of married, biological parents.

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[1]Katy Faust, “The Mother of All Same-Sex Parenting Studies”; available from https://askthebigot.com/2016/11/29/the-mother-of-all-same-sex-parenting-studies/; Internet; accessed 03 December 2016.