Abstract
It is estimated that between one and nine million American children have at least one parent who is gay. While most of these children were produced in a heterosexual relationship before the gay parent ?came out,? an increasing number of same-sex partners are becoming parents through adoption or foster parenting. This paper explores research and opinions in favor and against adoption of children by same-sex couples.

From the Paper
"However, it must be addressed that, to a large extent, this is an unknown area because the baby boom is still very young. There aren't enough same-sex adoptions to be a representative sample. While my guess is that having parents who are of the same sex won't be the major focus in an adolescent's life, it will still subject that individual to teasing and homophobic reactions from his/her peers.(Martin) In addition, while state laws are changing, many states are still being influenced by homophobia. Therefore, legally, same-sex couples can adopt, but many will be denied the opportunity anyway. Only recently has it become more normal for same-sex couples to adopt children and it is impossible to draw accurate conclusions on the long-term effects same-sex adoption will have on children."

Tags:American, Academy, of, Pediatrics, sexual, identity, lesbian

Abstract
This paper examines the proposal for legalization of same-sex marriage, and how it is one of the most significant issues in contemporary American family law. The author discusses the potential consequences of legalizing same-sex marriage, both positive and negative, for children, parents, same-sex couples, families, and the social structure. Litigation and current laws regarding this issue are discussed. Arguments are made for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

From the Paper
"Marriage has changed greatly throughout the years. In Western law, wives are now equal rather than subordinate partners; interracial marriage is now widely accepted, both in statute and in society; and marital failure itself, rather than the fault of one partner, may be grounds for a divorce. Social change has been felt in marriages in recent years as divorce rates have increased and have been integrated into upper class families. Proposals to legalize same-sex marriage or to enact broad domestic partnership laws are currently being promoted by gay and lesbian activists, especially in Europe and North America."

Tags:homosexuality, sociology, gay, lesbian, legislation, equal, protection, couple, family, states

Abstract
This essay discusses whether a concept of human nature can be effectively used in an ethical argument defending or criticizing the legal and moral recognition of same sex marriage. The essay argues that using Kantian theory one can argue for defending same sex marriage and invalidating the human nature theory. The writer then uses utilitarian ethics to counter the argument.

From the Paper
"This essay examines sexual morality and attempts to answer the following question: "Can a concept of human nature be effectively used in unethical argument defending or criticizing the legal/moral recognition of same-sex marriage?" This essay will argue that the concept of human nature cannot be used to criticize same-sex marriage and that Kantian ethics can be applied to defending its recognition. Kantian ethics can help us argue that allowing same-sex marriage is a categorical imperative, because it means that we are giving equal rights to people no matter what their sexual preference (or skin color, religion, etc) is."

Tags:same, sex, ethics

Abstract
The process of surrogate motherhood involves a third party carrying a child for a couple, a single woman, or persons involved in same sex relationships. This paper gives a personal opinion of why it is ethically wrong by examining literature both for and against surrogacy. It discusses such issues as bonding and separation and the key issue of breastfeeding, why surrogate mothers are not allowed to breastfeed.

From the Paper
"Opponents of surrogacy argue that the surrogacy process creates a separation in the mind of the surrogate mother that she must have the child but not raise the child. Thus surrogacy creates a situation in which a child is created for the purpose of fulfilling the desires of the adoptive parents. The Humanist writes: "To sanction the use and treatment of human beings to the achievement of other goals instead of as ends in themselves is to accept an ethic with a tragic past and to establish a precedent with a dangerous future." (Pyton 2001)"

Tags:child, emotional, problems, orphans, baby, selling, adoption

Abstract
This paper discusses the Florida ban on gay adoption, as well as other legal and ethical aspects of same sex parenting. The paper explores the question of whether children brought up by gay parents are at a disadvantage in any way and uses professional research to back up the findings.

From the Paper
"Despite the number of laws passed or the numerous movies or television shows that support gay rights, the negative conations associated with same-sex parent adoption continue to taint both attitudes and laws. Society is still laden with negative biases against homosexual adoption, and against gays in general (Johnson, et al., 1995) which severely limits their rights as people and as parents."

Tags:donnell, homosexual, rosie, lesbian, American, Academy, of, Pediatrics

From the Paper
"The paper fuses research done by two brilliant writers, John Boswell and W. Eskridge to prove that same-sex marriages have actually been in existence since the Dark Ages. It includes legal citations, the Catholic view on gay marriages, different types of marriages..."

Tags:human, sexuality, human, rights, lesbian, legal, made, marriages, homosexuality, homosexual

Abstract
This paper explores the attitude in the UK today, of social workers towards sexuality, noting that they are hesitant about even broaching the subject. The author discovers that, both in the United Kingdom and the United States, most of the attention for this subject has been directed at sexual abuse cases of children and vulnerable adolescents.

Outline:
Introduction
Sexuality as social construction
Marginalization
Same-sex couples and child adoption
Sexuality and the aged
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Within the areas of social work sexuality needs to be debated more openly. But it needs to be done so based on a more sophisticated understanding of sexuality's meaning and power. Before the arrival of Michel Foucault, who as a French philosopher revolutionised our understanding of sexuality, the implications of maintaining attitudes as cited above - both open and hidden - had been scarcely realized. Most of the time people took it on trust, from both popular writers and medical experts, who convincingly based their explanations on a supposedly rigorous scientific footing, that sexuality was in the main a biological construct, with clear demarcations as to what constituted man and woman as well as the purpose of both in the evolutionary scheme of things. (Wilton, 2000, p.163) But more recently, people have come to appreciate how untenable and arbitrary this division could be. This misconception has been expressed by Ann Oakley particularly well."

Tags:social-work, profession, lesbians, homosexuals

Abstract
This paper is an argumentative essay promoting the legalization of same-sex marriages. The author focuses on the legal aspects of same sex marriages arguing for the legal rights such as insurance and parental status that need to be enforced.

From the Paper
"The proposed legalization of same-sex marriages is one of the most significant, yet controversial issues facing America today. Same-sex marriages, also known as Civil Unions, should be legalized in every state in the United States. Right now, in the United States, same-sex couples do not receive the same benefits and legal rights that married couples take for granted. These benefits include cheaper health insurance rates, life insurance benefits, funeral leave of absence from work, legal parental status with a partner's child, and significant tax reductions."

Tags:civil, gay, homosexual, marriages, rights, unions, sex

Abstract
This paper offers a brief discussion about the rights of gays and lesbians to be allowed to marry in a legal and official manner. It mentions some previous civil suit court hearings in which this matter was raised and also social and ethical ramifications of this debate.

From the Paper
"An issue much argued in recent years is whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry one another. Arguments have been offered on both sides, with those in the gay community arguing why they should be allowed to marry, and with opposing forces arguing why they should not. One reason offered by gays is fairness, notably that they want access to the various social and economic benefits currently denied to gay people because they cannot marry. Society for the most part has so far deemed marriage to mean more than this and to have at least the possibility of procreating children is used as an argument to deny gays the right to marry one another. Only Hawaii has taken a contrary position, while a few other states have offered a form of rights to benefits for couples without including marriage."

Tags:gay, lesbian, wedding, couple

Abstract
This paper examines the reasons why marriage is a relevant issue for homosexuals and whether it is a necessary and important legal concept. It looks at the arguments put against such a proposal drawing from religious views, particularly stemming from the Judeo-Christian tradition and also by examining views put forward by legal theorists such as John Finnis and looking at the Hart/Devlin debate. Through the use of case law, legal theories such as utilitarianism and sex discrimination and also by considering the jurisprudential views of Dworkin, Raz and Nordahl, it carefully deconstructs the arguments put against the legalization of such an institution to deliver a well-reasoned and thought-provoking case in favor of same sex marriage.

From the Paper
"According to Pope John Paul II, homosexual unions cannot be marriages "above all because the objective impossibility of being fruitful in the transmission of life, according to the plan inscribed by God in the very structure of the human being." Natural lawyers such as John Finnis are also keen to relate the argument that procreation is a condition for such an institution. However, in terms of same sex marriages what is perhaps rendered problematic in accepting Finnis' arguments are that they stem from the view that homosexuality and all homosexual acts are unnatural and immoral."

Tags:discrimination, jurisprudence, morality, religion, utilitarianism, homosexuality