As the Supreme Court is set to mull over the legality of same-sex marriage, the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out in further support of gay rights. The policy adopted by the organization of pediatricians was originally written by two Massachusetts doctors from Boston. In the statement, the organization strongly emphasizes its support of same-sex marriage, specifically civil unions. Additionally, they outlined their support for adoption rights and opportunities to be a foster parent for single gay people.
In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly supported the rights of gay parents to adopt a child born to a gay partner. Their primary motivation is to ensure that the children of the partnerships have access to health and financial benefits, for example. By allowing civil unions of gay couples and the adoption of children by the non-hereditary parent, these children are protected by divorce laws that enforce equal parenting time for divorced parents, among other things.
According to the AAP, their position is based on studies that support the idea that it is healthier for children to live in a household with two married parents, as opposed to two parents living together unmarried. Some of these benefits are a result of the federal benefits afforded to married couples that are denied to non-married couples. The doctors have carefully timed the release of their statement in regards to the AAP’s position on same-sex marriage.
One of the Massachusetts authors of the same-sex marriage proposal explained the philosophy behind their timing. Their hope is the draw attention to the impending Supreme Court case regarding the Defense of Marriage Act. They hope to draw public support and attention to the issue, and perhaps create pressure on the justices to strike down the act.
Source: Boston.com, “Pediatricians group comes out in support of gay marriage and adoptions by homosexual single parents,” Deborah Kotz, March 21, 2013
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