A study released by researchers at Cambridge University shows that children adopted and raised by gay parents are as happy as those raised by heterosexual parents, says a March 6 news story in the Cambridge News. This information comes in the midst of a heated debated on gay marriage. Despite state laws that still ban gay marriage in the U.S., numbers of same-sex adoptions are on the rise. Nearly 20 percent of same-sex couples that are raising children have built their families through adoption, according to The Williams Institute.
The study uncovered more commonalities than differences for children from all different family environments. Happiness levels of children, incidence of mental illnesses and parental satisfaction with their roles were all deemed to be equal. There were a few differences, however. On the positive side, gay dads were noted as being happier than all other parent types. On the negative side, however, was an indication that "children adopted by gay parents in secondary school where they are more likely to be exposed to bullying."
Overall, this study debunks beliefs by the anti-gay marriage crowd who often suggest that gay parents are inadequate and unable to raise happy, healthy children.
This new study was released in the middle of a nationwide debate on gay marriage in the United States. Michigan courts are currently hearing arguments in a high-profile case from a lesbian couple that's challenging Michigan laws banning gay marriage and the joint adoption of children. A ruling in that case has been deferred pending the outcomes of an upcoming Supreme Court case on gay marriage and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
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