Of course not! But that is what advocates for same-sex marriage would have you believe. The fact that they seem to be getting away with such tales is due to a lack of credible data being distributed, to dispute such irresponsible claims. More evidence that those who are most likely to be affected by same-gender relationships and marriages, meaning children, are the last that are being seriously considered.
It seems like every time a study is published either for or against same-sex marriage, we readily have someone who claims equal authority to dispute it. Most always a lack of sufficient data, or the way the study has been conducted is cited as to why these studies ultimately lack credibility in the mainstream.
One of the great cautions that proponents to preserve traditional marriage are concerned about is that we don't really know how this will affect society in general and/or future generations. Our instincts and personal beliefs tell us that this is not good. We just can't prove it, yet. Not a good position of influence.
As a California resident, I'm quite familiar with Prop 8 and the ongoing struggle to preserve marriage. I've advocated for quite some time that children have a literal birthright to being raised by both a mother and a father. I'm not so naive to realize that this is not always possible. However, I do believe that society is obligated to do everything we can to ensure the best possible circumstance for every child.
United Families International is devoted to a cause they refer to as "Myth Buster Monday" -- and this week they literally knocked it out of the park! UFI list four areas of concern about same-sex marriages and relationships as compared to heterosexual marriages and relationships, and then go on to share critical findings from both inside and outside of the United States.
• Relationship longevity
• Fidelity
• Violence in Relationships
• Health
Some of these findings come from countries such as Amsterdam, Norway and Sweden. These are countries where same-sex marriage has been legal for quite some time now, and we are able to clearly see the devastating results of legalizing same-sex marriage. Together with ongoing studies conducted here in the United States, a new story begins to emerge as to why it is imperative that we continue to speak out in defending traditional marriage!
You can read the entire post from United Families International here:
Myth Buster Monday: Same-sex relationships and marriage are the same as heterosexual marriages and relationships. « The United Families International Blog
The ongoing debate between same-sex marriage versus traditional marriage will most likely reach the federal level, ultimately affecting the entire nation. Those of us with a desire to preserve traditional marriage are going to need to step up our game in order to discuss our reasons for doing so, with greater influence. I believe that knowing the real facts, and using them, will strengthen our voice significantly. I'm personally committed to a deeper study of this issue and I invite you to join me.
tDMg
Kathryn
Family Research Council: Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples
UFI Guide to FAMILY Values: Sexual Orientation PDF
“Divorce-Risk Patterns in Same-Sex Marriages in Norway and Sweden”2004.
Right on the money, Kathryn. It seems adults have become so consumed with their "rights" to do anything they want and that may be fulfilling personnally; many have forgotten the individuals most affected who don't get a vote--children.
ReplyDeleteEven our society, which is so quick to androgynize us all, will admit men and women do things differently. That includes parenting--and it is precisely those differences that make life rich for children. Of course, as you note, there are occasions due to divorce or death where a child loses a parent of one gender; but those circumstances are accidental. The problem with same sex relationships is that you deny a child a parent of one sex by design. The adults' wishes trump the children's needs.
The negative issues associated with homosexual relationships have been well documented for decades; but they are often disregarded by folks claiming all problems with homosexuality are caused by discrimination--it's someone else's fault. That stance becomes quite weak with the data out of Scandinavia, where alternate marriage relationships have become quite accepted.
I couldn't agree more, Beatles. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
ReplyDeleteI was raised in a single parent home. My grandmother helped my mother raise me. My grandfather was dead, my father never contacted us. Essentially, I was raised in a two-woman household.
ReplyDeleteWhere is my "birthright"? Am I somehow damaged because I didn't have a male influence in my life? I don't feel damaged. I graduated as valedictorian. I am married to a wonderful man and have a terrific son. I'm an active member of the LDS church. I have a college degree and a job.
None of those studies address children. How many of those couples polled in the studies actually adopted? And of those who adopted, how many suffered from those negative statistics?
Be careful with statistics. Behind them are real people with feelings, like me. We don't fit the mold, but we are hardly a sign of the breakdown of society. The Lord sees us all as individuals, and He allows us freedom to choose. Who are we to let fear dictate otherwise?
Hi Angela -
ReplyDeleteIf you're damaged, then so am I. My parents divorced when I was 10. Since then, I've seen my dad only sporadically over the years. We chat on the phone only once or twice a year. Unfortunately, he wasn't a major influence in my life.
I think my passion for understanding how vital it is for children to have both a mother and father present in their lives comes from personal experience. I'm fully aware that this is not always possible, and that many children grow up to be perfectly healthy adults, both spiritually and emotionally. However, for most children absent one parent or the other there does seem to be some kind of a void in their lives.
You were blessed to have a mother and grandmother to raise you with such tender loving care. It sounds like they did an amazing job.
I believe that God's Plan is the right plan for all of society, and yet, as you said we each have our agency. However, there is always the ideal and I believe society should strive to make that available for every child, if possible.
I have posted a number of links on this post. It would take hours of study to extract all of the information before making final conclusions as to what they fully contain. I'm advocating that we actually do that, so that we are not simply throwing out what works for our position. And what we are finding is that same-sex relationships and marriages are not good for children, or the adults that engage in them for the long-term.
I appreciate your caution and take it seriously. I also take the well-being of children very seriously and my intention is to continue to speak up on their behalf.
I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to express your thoughts and feelings.
tDMg
You are always very kind and thoughtful in your responses. I'm pleased to have met you :) I don't necessarily agree with your position, but I respect your concerns.
ReplyDelete