It is well-established that children can have happy lives with both heterosexual and same-sex parents, so we are discovering that suitable homes for kids include many different types of combinations. The fact is that same-sex couples are more likely to have adopted children in their homes than heterosexual couples. In 2019, same-sex couples were four times more likely to adopt children than heterosexual couples.
Same-Sex Adoption in the U.S.A.
Same-sex couples are now allowed to adopt in every state as well as in the District of Columbia. This, however, does not mean that same-sex couples do not have some challenges when it comes to this issue. Many faith-based groups are in charge of adoptions, and some have decided to limit their adoptions to heterosexual couples. It is also important to note that these groups may also refuse to allow single men and women to adopt. However, in Michigan, faith-based groups can no longer refuse to let same-sex couples to adopt children.
Each state is allowed to create its own rules as far as this issue is concerned, so some states had let adoption organizations refuse to allow unmarried couples to adopt. Now, same-sex couples are free to adopt throughout the country. Since the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry in every one of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, many groups are now willing to support same-sex couples in their adoption efforts.
The License to Discriminate
The picture is not entirely rosy. After the 2015 Supreme Court same-sex marriage decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, some states enacted laws that give private adoption agencies the ability to refuse to allow same-sex couples to adopt. However, you can avoid these organizations and find an LGBTQ-friendly agency that will support you in your desire to adopt.
The process would be exactly the same for you as it would be for a heterosexual couple, but once it has been completed, adoption can bring you an immense amount of joy. Even so, you must also remember that you are going to run into challenges along the way.
Things to Consider Before Adopting
If you decide that you would like to adopt internationally, you must be aware that some countries do not allow same-sex couples to adopt children. The fact is that it will be easier for you to adopt in the United States, but it is possible to do an international adoption if this is something that you really want. Just be sure to work with a New Jersey adoption attorney throughout the process.
Development of the Children
Some people performed research that showed that if same-sex couples were allowed to raise children, it would be detrimental to the kids. A close look at these studies shows that they were done by people interested in limiting adoption to heterosexual couples. In addition to that, the results that these studies came to often contradicted each other. For example, if the study demonstrated that same-sex couples cannot raise children properly, the study was usually done by a political or religious institution with an agenda. In contrast, if the study showed that same-sex couples do not harm their children in any way, it was done by a group sympathetic to same-sex rights.
When they considered the sexual orientation of the children, the studies found that children with same-sex parents and those with opposite-sex parents both developed their gender identities and sexual orientations in a similar manner.
Discrimination
At the current time, same-sex couples and their children are enjoying more visibility and acceptance, but the difficulties are not over. You may be subjected to discrimination and prejudice from some of the people in your community. You must be prepared to address the comments that your children will hear so that you can help them respond positively in negative situations.
The time has never been better for same-sex couples to adopt children. If you would like to explore this possibility, a New Jersey adoption attorney will be instrumental in helping you make this dream come true. Call our Haddonfield, New Jersey office at (856) 429-5005.
