Gays and lesbians don't have stable relationships

Myth: Gays and lesbians don't have stable relationships and can't be good parents

Fact:  Studies show that relationship satisfaction and quality across all couple types (straight, gay, lesbian) are about the same. Of course gay and lesbian relationships can have problems, as do some heterosexual relationships.

The adoption and foster care screening process is very rigorous, including extensive home visits and interviews of prospective parents. It is designed to screen out those individuals who are not qualified to adopt or be foster parents, for whatever reason. All of the evidence shows that lesbians and gay men can and do make good parents. The American Psychological Association, in a recent report reviewing the research, observed that "not a single study has found children of gay or lesbian parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents," and concluded that "home environments provided by gay and lesbian parents are as likely as those provided by heterosexual parents to support and enable children's psychosocial growth." That is why the Child Welfare League of America, the nation's oldest children's advocacy organization, and the North American Council on Adoptable Children say that gays and lesbians seeking to adopt should be evaluated just like other adoptive applicants.

References:

• 12-year study of Gay & Lesbian Couples

• Lesbian & Gay Parents & Their Children: Summary Of Research Findings