A new review of multiple studies into the well being of children raised by same sex parents has concluded that there is no difference between them and children raised by opposite sex parents.
Published in the Medical Journal of Australia the researchers found that children raised in same-sex parented families did as well emotionally, socially and educationally, and those in families with opposite sex parents.
The study reviewed research that had been conducted over the last three decades.
The studies senior author has warned however that Australia’s extended debate on the issue of marriage equality could be harming rainbow families, as well as LGBTI youth.
“It’s essential that we recognise the potential for the debate about marriage equality to cause harm for our children and young people,” senior author Professor Frank Oberklaid said.
“Young LGBTIQ+ people are much more likely to experience poor mental health, self-harm and suicide than other young people.
“Sadly, this is largely attributed to the harassment, stigma and discrimination they and other LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities face in our society.”
The Coalition for Marriage has argued that marriage equality should not be permitted in Australia because children do better when raised by a mother and a father.
The Marriage Alliance, one of the founding partners of the coalition has previously argued that children who are not raised by their biological parents of both genders are more likely to drop out of high school, develop drug habits, end up in prison, become homeless, attempt suicide and become violent rapists.
The claims have also previously been made by the group Dads 4 Kids in their submissions to senate inquiries looking into the issue.
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QLife: and www.qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people.
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