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Same-sex marriage's effect on children

The debate over same-sex marriage often focuses on the rights of adults, but it’s also about children and the model environment for raising future generations.

About two million children are raised by gay and lesbian parents, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

When the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case this week about California’s ban on gay marriage, Justice Anthony Kennedy brought up the children of same-sex couples.

“They want their parents to have full recognition and full status so the voice of those children is important in this case,” Kennedy said during oral arguments.

According to a CNN blog, critics of same-sex marriage say children of same-sex couples miss out on either a father or mother figure in their lives.

UF sociology professor John Scanzoni said that a good childhood has little to do with the sex of the parents.

“The thing that affects children more than anything is the economic well-being of the household,” Scanzoni said. “So whether they’re straight or gay is really less significant than that.”

Pediatricians say there is no evidence that same-sex marriage harms children in any way, according to Reuters.

Rebekah Geier edited this story online.

Matt can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Jennifer is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.