A1

Is Utah Ready for Same-Sex Marriage?

(Steve Griffin The Salt Lake Tribune)
Same-sex marriage opponents rally at state capitol,
Jan. 28, 2014.
Same-sex marriage >> Residents of
Utah split down the middle.

By CASSANDRA HOFFMAN
Salt Lake Community College

It was nearly a decade ago that
Utahans voted to ban same-sex marriage
in Utah. In Nov. 2004, 66% of more than
900,000 Utah residents voted in favor of
the Third Amendment which defines
marriage as being between a man and a
woman. This state-wide ban remained in
effect until Dec. 20, 2013, when Federal
Judge Robert J. Shelby declared it as
unconstitutional. The state contested
Shelbys decision and immediately filed
an appeal with the 10
th
Circuit Court of
Appeals requesting a stay on the ruling.
After the Court of Appeals denied the
states request twice, the state filed an
appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court and
was granted a stay on Jan. 6. The stay
will remain in effect until the 10
th
Circuit
Court of Appeals holds a hearing which
has been set for April 10, 2014.
Although it is uncertain how the Court
of Appeals will rule, further examination
has been done to assist in answering the
following questions. Where do Utahans
currently stand on the issue, and what has
changed over the past decade that has led
Utah to this potential change? If the Court
of Appeals rules in favor of same-sex
marriage in Utah how will this affect the
residents of the state? And foremost, Is
Utah ready for same-sex marriage?
(Steve Griffin The Salt Lake Tribune)
Same-sex marriage supporters rally at state capitol,
Jan. 28, 2014.

Within just a few days of Judge
Shelbys ruling, opponents and advocates
of the recent court decision held rallies at
Capitol Hill. Bill Duncan of the Center
for Family and Society at the Sutherland
Institute began a petition to obtain
signatures from those in support of
traditional marriage. Shortly after, Tim
Wagner of MoveOn.org created a petition
to collect signatures from supporters of
same-sex marriage. Currently, Wagners
petition has nearly 50,000 signatures; the
Sutherland Institute has yet to release the
number of signatures they have obtained.
While the recent rallies and petitions do
not provide a clear understanding as to
whether the majority of Utahans today are
for or against same-sex marriage, they do
indicate that there is a strong interest in
the same-sex marriage debate.
Prior to the stay issued by the U.S.
Supreme Court, an estimated 1,300 same-
sex couples rushed to local courthouses to
obtain marriage licenses; during which
many conveyed their surprise to news
reporters on scene. Several reports have
also speculated that the repeal of the
Third Amendment came as a shock to
most Utahans because it was approved by
nearly two-thirds of voters in 2004. Since
the stay was issued, same-sex couples
have waited with uncertainty as to what
the future holds for them here in Utah.
Meanwhile, supporters of traditional
marriage have looked to Governor Gary
Herbert who stated, It is important to me
that the law as passed by the people of
this state in defense of traditional
marriage is upheld.
One of the main questions that have
been brought to light is whether or not the
residents of Utah feel the same as they
did ten years ago? For the answer to this
question, we look to the most recent poll
conducted by Survey USA for the Salt
Lake Tribune.
Please see MARRIAGE, A2

What About the
Children?

Same-sex parenting >> Utahans argue
about effects on children.

By CASSANDRA HOFFMAN
Salt Lake Community College

How is it that we decide the best way
to bring up our children? Is it the way that
our families and community have taught
us? Is it religion? Is it statistics?
Whatever it is that guides us throughout
this endeavor, we can all agree that it is a
complex matter, and one that should not
be taken lightly. The phrase we hear so
often is that children are our future, and
for this reason we want to ensure that
they are given all of the necessary tools in
order to succeed.
Please see CHILDREN, A5
A2



Adams, Brooke. "Poll: Utahns Evenly Split on Same-sex Marriage." The Salt Lake Tribune. N.p., n.d. Web.
01 Apr. 2014. <http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/57391605-78/marriage-sex-percent-state.html.csp>.
Marriage Cont

The poll conducted in Jan. 2014
reached out to residents all throughout
the state to determine where Utahans
currently stand on the issue. Among
several questions asked, the primary
question was should same-sex
couples in Utah be allowed to get
state-issued marriage licenses? As
illustrated in the chart below, the
results of the survey show that Utah is
now split right down the middle with
48% of residents saying yes, 48% of
residents saying no, and 4% of
residents that are unsure. Additionally,
Survey USA obtained each
respondents demographic information
in order to compare the following
groups; Mormons and non-Mormons,
men and women, adults between the
ages of 18-49 and adults 50 and older,
and finally Republicans, Democrats,
and Independents.
Although the results of opinion
polls often vary, depending on factors
such as how a question is phrased, a
large majority have reflected an
increase over time in the number of
Utahans that support gay marriage. The
Williams Institute used statistical analysis
to evaluate multiple surveys in order to
complete a more accurate assessment of
the publics opinion over time. They
analyzed each of the 50 states, and
reported that the publics approval of
same-sex marriage in each state had
increased by an average of 13.6% from
2004 to 2012; in Utah, the publics
approval increased by 12%.
While there may be many reasons for
this increase, there appears to be a general
consensus. Carl Tobias, a professor of
constitutional law at the University of
Richmond, has been one of many to
attribute the increase to an overall rise in
the acceptance of the LGBT community;
primarily among the younger generation.
Dennis Romboy of the Deseret News
noted that in addition to the differing
attitudes among the older and younger
generations, the acceptance level of same-
sex marriage has also increased as new
residents move to the state of Utah.
Due to the shift in opinions which
have made same-sex marriage a
possibility in Utah, residents have begun
to express their concerns about its
potential effects in regards to religious
freedom. In a poll conducted by Deseret
News, 72% of respondents asserted that if
same-sex marriage is legalized in Utah,
laws should be enacted to ensure that
religious leaders will not be required to
perform same-sex weddings. A law
professor at the University of Utah and
member of Equality Utahs Board of
Directors, Clifford Rosky, responded to
the concern noting that the First
Amendment prevents the government
from requiring church officials to perform
same-sex weddings. He stated that "in the
history of our country, no church has ever
been forced to marry an interracial
couple. The same principle applies to
same-sex couples." Jim Dabakis, an
openly gay Utah Senator, stated There is
a vast difference between civil and
religious marriage . . . I will continue to
respect a religious organization's ability
to marry only people it chooses. It has
been ten years since Massachusetts
became the first of 17 states to legalize
same-sex marriage, and religious freedom
has continued to co-exist.
Upon review of the states that have
legalized same-sex marriage, there have
been no significant, negative effects
reported thus far. In attempting to
determine Utahs readiness for same-sex
marriage, the current level of support
among residents has been compared to
states where legalization has already
occurred. Among the states in which
same-sex marriage is legal, each varies on
their level of residential support. Maine
has the highest with 78%, and Minnesota
has the lowest with 47%; the majority
range between 50-60%. Each state that
allows same-sex marriage has a
somewhat higher level of support than
Utah; with the exception of Minnesota.
Although Utahs support level is in the
running, it is on the lower end of the
scale. However if the support level
continues to rise as it has steadily done
over the past ten years, it will not be
much longer before the majority of Utah
is ready for same-sex marriage.

A3



"25 Romantic Wedding Aisle Petals Decor Ideas |
Weddingomania." 25 Romantic Wedding Aisle Petals Decor
Ideas | Weddingomania. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.
<http://www.weddingomania.com/25-romantic-wedding-
aisle-petals-decor-ideas/pictures/2635/>.






Ill never forget the day that I
heard the words I once thought I
would never hear. On December 23,
2013, I had just arrived home from a
long day at work, walked through the
door of the split level house that I call
home, and slowly made my way
down the dull brown carpeted stairs. I
turned to my right to go into my
bedroom as I heard my roommate CJ
shout to me from the top of the stairs.
With an urgent voice, she yelled
Cassey, get up here! Having not the
slightest idea as to what was so
important I turned around and started
up the stairs. As I made it halfway up
the second set of steps, I looked up to
see my roommate staring intently at
me. As our eyes locked, assuming she
was just being her usual dramatic self,
I casually asked whats up? She
paused for just a moment and I
wondered why her face looked so
serious. It was then that the
inconceivable succession of words
flowed from her lips to my ears. She
started abruptly, gay marriage is
legal in Utah!
As I looked at her with a blank
stare for what felt like eons, I struggled to
process what I had just heard. The only
words I could seem to form finally
emerged from my mouth. I dont believe
you, where did you hear that!? She
proceeded to reach into the left front
pocket of her khakis and pulled out her
cell phone. With a slight but obvious
smirk, she said Ill show you. As she
appeared to be searching on her phone to
present me with the proof that I needed
my anticipation grew heavier and my
patience thinner. After perhaps a minute
(but who was keeping time?), she looked
up at me with a smile and turned the
screen of her phone into my line of sight.
I saw the KSL News logo at the top of the
screen, and then the big bold letters of the
news headline beneath. It read Federal
judge overturns Utah same-sex marriage
ban. Immediately my eyes widened.
Before I could read on any further, a flash
of images floated through my mind; not
with regard to what this information I was
just given might mean, but with
significant moments in my past that lead
me to long for this day.
Suddenly I was 14 years old again,
sitting in my childhood bedroom in
Brigham City, Utah; a small town of less
than 19,000 residents. It was mid fall and
I had just gotten home from school. I was
sitting on the floor leaned up against my
bed with my knees pulled in toward my
chest. Looking out the window I watched
as the brightly colored yellow and orange
leaves fell from the almost barren tree.
Within seconds my eyes fell to the floor
and tears began to stream down my
cheeks. Moments later I heard a car door
slam. Startled, I lifted my head back up
and quickly attempted to dry my tears
with the sleeves of my dilapidated blue
hoodie. I knew that my mom had just
arrived home from work because our
family pet Snubs, a small but boisterous
dog, began barking incessantly as she
always did to welcome my mother. I
heard the screen door creak as she opened
it, and then the front door as she swung it
open and Snubs finally stopped barking.
I sat there trying to quiet my hysteria
as I implored the universe to stop her
from coming down the hallway into
my bedroom. I knew that if she saw I
was crying she would nag me until I
told her the reason why. Alas the
universe did not listen, and I could
hear every step as she walked down the
hallway toward my door. As she got
closer I became more and more
apprehensive which caused my eyes to
swell up again with tears. I became
terrified because me and my mother
were almost always at odds with each
other, as Im sure is the same for most
teenage girls and their mothers. My
mind began to race with the same
repetitive thoughts. Will she hate me?
Will she tell me to get out of her
house? Will she think Im repulsive?
These thoughts consumed my mind
until I heard the twist of the doorknob,
and it was as if my mind froze and lost
its ability to function.
My mom opened the door and took
one step into my room before it was
clear she noticed my puffy eyes and
sopping wet face. Her expression went
from a smile to a look of concern as she
asked whats wrong? I remained silent
with a harsh frown on my face and looked
down at the multicolored carpet trying to
find the words. I lifted my head back up
to look at her and I said, the girls at
school are calling me a lesbian. My
mom hesitated, trying to find the right
words to respond, as I returned my focus
to the floor. She said, well you know its
not true so why does it matter? Keeping
my eyes focused downward, almost as if I
was frozen, I debated on what to say. Still
confused at this age as to what these
feelings were, I answered well its half
true. My moms face grew serious and
confused; as if she was sure she couldnt
have heard me correctly. She asked in a
sharp, disapproving, and surprised tone,
wait, you like girls!? Mortified of
where this conversation might go next, I
looked up at her, pointed to the door, and
yelled just get out! My mom stood
there for a moment speechless. Then she
finally turned to walk out of my room and
closed the door to a conversation that
wouldnt be opened again until more than
a year later.
Every Girl Dreams of Walking Down the Aisle on Her Wedding Day
A4



Every Girl Dreams of Walking Down the Aisle on Her Wedding Day
Cont
"Home Page for Auburn Pentecostal Church." Home Page for Auburn Pentecostal
Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. <http://www.auburnpentecostalchurch.com/>.
Before I knew it I had drifted back
into the present moment, standing on the
steps staring at my roommates phone.
The shock slowly let go of my body as I
handed the phone back to her and began
to climb the last few steps up to the
brightly lit living room. The sun's rays
illuminated the room which seemed to
increase the dreamlike state I found
myself in. I walked over to the couch and
sat down across from my other roommate
Lyra who also happens to be my closest
friend. She looked at me and said, "crazy
huh?" I responded, "I knew it would
happen eventually, but I
thought we would be one of
the last. With as religious as
Utah is, it feels like it's not
real."
As I sat there, ideas of
god and marriage permeated
my thoughts, and my mind
seemed to leave my body
again. I saw myself inside
my old church, the place I
had found refuge in as a
young teenager when I felt
as though I had nowhere else
to turn to. It was almost
like my second home. I
attended sermons on Sundays, bible study
on Tuesdays, and youth group on
Thursdays. This place had brought me
closer to god and close to a group of
people who led me to feel an
unconditional love and acceptance I had
never known.
I remember sitting in the sanctuary
just as youth group had ended. I looked
behind me to see everyone making their
way through the glass French doors into
the foyer as they were preparing to leave.
The clock above the doors displayed the
time, a quarter past nine. As I turned back
to face forward in my seat I glanced out
of one in a long line of windows to see
the dark night sky. It was winter time
now so the sun had always left us before
youth group was over. I brought my focus
back into the sanctuary and surveyed the
dimly lit room. I looked at the rows and
rows of gold-painted metal chairs and the
aisle way that separated them. I turned
back to face the front of the room and
looked the stage. On the right side of the
stage sat the piano, where Jessica would
sit and play songs that could melt
anyones heart. Three microphone stands
were aligned just to the left of the piano,
one of which I was asked to sing into
from time to time, and the drum set was
situated back behind the microphone
stands. In the middle of the stage was the
small wooden pulpit that Pastor Ernie
would stand behind to give his sermons,
and behind that was the baptism pool
where I had been baptized almost 7
months earlier. Above the baptism pool
was a large wooden cross nearly 5 feet
tall that was attached to the wall.
This room was where I felt safe, where
I felt love and utter peace. I began to
think about the conversation I had with
my mother just a couple of weeks prior. It
had been a short conversation that I ended
abruptly because I was so scared.
However, on this night I gathered enough
courage and decided to talk to Natalie my
youth leader. I was nervous, but she and I
were so close. We talked about
everything together, and as someone in
her early 20s she always had words of
wisdom to give me. I thought that out of
anyone, she would be the one I should
talk to. I sat in my chair as I waited for
Natalie to finish talking with a small
group of newcomers. Several minutes
later they headed for the doors and she
walked over and sat down beside me.
She smiled at me and with her bubbly
voice she said whats up girl? I turned
to face her and I said, I think I need to
talk to you about something. She smiled
with this caring smile I had known so
well for the last 2 years and said in a soft
voice, whats going on? I sat there for a
moment silently as she waited patiently
for me to answer. I locked eyes with her
and said, I think that I and I stopped.
I turned my head away from her for a few
seconds waiting for the courage I just lost
to come back to me. As it did I looked
back up at her and started again, Natalie,
I think that Im gay. Looking at her, I
waited for the caring expression on her
face to fade but it didnt. I
thought to myself, maybe
things will be okay, maybe this
place I know as my true home
will accept this thing about me
that I tried to ignore for so long;
before realizing it couldnt be
changed. I waited for her to
respond, and after a long pause
she looked me in the eyes and
said well Cass, you know what
the bible says about
homosexuality. It is a sin, it is
of the devil. I looked at her
with hurt in my eyes not
knowing what to do or say.
After a moment of silence, she placed her
arm around me and said Im going to
pray for you girl, and I want you to go
home and do the same. I nodded my
head to agree. As she stood up, she asked
me to wait while she got her things so
that she could take me home.
After a moment, I stood up to walk
toward the exit; but I paused when I
looked at the aisle way and recalled a
daydream that I once had. I envisioned
myself in a white Grecian gown, with soft
white lilies in my hair, walking down this
very aisle to say I do. Before I could
ponder any more details, I looked up and
noticed that Natalie was ready to take me
home. We headed out to her Chevy
Beretta and started it quickly; hoping it
wouldnt take long to heat up. I sat there
in the car on the way home wanting to
talk to her more but I couldnt find the
words. It was the quietest car ride we ever
shared together.
A5



Every Girl Dreams of Walking Down the Aisle on Her Wedding Day
Cont
"Laura & Simone | Garden Luncheon Wedding in Italy | Snippet &
Ink." Snippet Ink RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.
<http://snippetandink.com/italian-garden-luncheon-wedding/>.
Over the next few days I tried to do
what Natalie said, I tried to pray; but all
my mind could manage to do was think
about the pain I was feeling. I felt so
alone and it didnt take long for my
sadness to turn into anger. Perhaps its
because oftentimes anger seems easier
than dealing with the pain. When Sunday
came I went to church just as I always
did. Except this time I didnt feel
the peace I was used to, I felt
nothing but shame. I knew what
the bible said and I knew what my
loved ones thought, but I also
knew that this feeling inside me
was who I was and I knew it
would never go away. On that day
it became clear to me that this
place that I called home would no
longer accept me as I am, and that
day was the last day I ever went to
church again.
As I found myself back in my
living room with my friends Lyra
and CJ, I felt the tears swell up around
my eyes. Embarrassed, I stood up from
the couch and swiftly headed down the
stairs to my bedroom. I sat down on my
cold hard bed as these emotions of pain
and anger drowned me. After a few
minutes, there was something that
resembled a quick jerk inside my mind as
my thoughts completely shifted into a
moment of clarity. In this moment all of
my negative feelings absolved, and I
realized how futile it is to hold on to
resentments toward those that were
unable to understand.
This was the night I realized that all of
the instances of discrimination that I had
experienced throughout my life are just
simply misunderstandings. In retrospect,
its clear that Natalie was just following
the beliefs that she had been taught. She
wasnt a bad person, just an angel with a
pure heart and ideals. She wanted me to
go in the direction that she was sure in
her heart to be the right one. How can I
possibly remain angry at her? The answer
is I no longer can. Although Ill never
marry in the church I dreamed about
when I was a young girl, I will have the
opportunity to wear that white dress
down the aisle.
We all experience moments in
our lives in which we cant agree
with what we see others do.
However in times when two people
disagree, it is important at least to
open our minds and strive for
understanding. Although my mother
was reluctant when she learned the
truth about her only daughter, she
took this thing that she had never
been exposed to and fought against
her own ideals until she could find a
way to somewhat understand. To
this day my mother says I dont approve
of it but I accept it, and thats all we can
really ask from anyone.

Children Cont

Here in Utah Family is more than just
an important part of our lives; its the
foundation of our culture. Perhaps one of
the primary reasons is that the LDS faith
is prominent in this state and family is
one of the core values of the LDS faith.
People from all walks of life have respect
for the LDS church for this reason. Even
those who don't belong to the LDS church
see its family values as an inspiration
when it comes to raising their children.
Utahans know that leading a family-
oriented life is one of the best ways to
promote the well being of our children.
Due to the family values held by most
Utahans, it is no surprise that children are
the main concern when we look at the
recent and ongoing court case regarding
same sex marriage in Utah. As many
know, on Dec. 20, 2013, United Stated
Federal Judge Robert J. Shelby
overturned the state wide ban on same
sex marriage, and it became a reality until
the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay
pending a decision by the Tenth Circuit
Court of Appeals. A hearing has been set
for April 10, 2014 in which Derek
Kitchen and the co-plaintiffs challenging
the same sex marriage ban will be heard
along with the defendants including Utah
Governor Gary R. Herbert. Over the past
few months both sides have filed multiple
briefs in support of their arguments and
Utahans are now waiting to see how the
Tenth Circuit will rule.
As has been noted in several briefs
filed by the state, Utah's primary reason
in fighting to uphold the state wide ban
on same sex marriage is their concern for
the children. One of the briefs filed by the
state in early February stated that
"Redefining marriage as a genderless,
adult-centric institution would
fundamentally change Utah's child-
centered meaning and purpose of
marriage." Sean Reyes, Utah's Attorney
General, stated that "The constitutional
question is whether it is reasonable for
Utah's citizens to believe that a child
benefits most from being raised by his or
her biological mother and father in a
permanent relationship, and that such
relationships should therefore be
encouraged through recognition as
marriages." In reviewing the states
arguments we can conclude that they
believe marriage should strictly be
between a man and a woman because it is
in the best interest of our children.
Some organizations oppose same sex
marriage for religious purposes such as
the Heritage Foundation and the
American Family Association; however,
since religious views do not hold up in a
court of law, they have put a lot of focus
on the effects of same sex marriage on
A6



children. These groups and others believe
that the best family type involves a man
and a woman in a loving and committed
marriage; they believe that children need
both a mother and a father. The Family
Research Council made it a point to
discuss their concerns regarding same-sex
marriage from a non religious perspective
which can be found on the organizations
website. Aside from the assertion that
children need a mother and a father, they
also suggest that children of same sex
parents are more likely to have gender
identity disorders/gender role confusion
and that they are more likely to engage in
homosexual activity than those children
with opposite sex parents.
While same sex couples argue against
the assertions made by supporters of
traditional marriage, and believe that their
assertions are false, how do we really
determine what is best for children? The
answer of course is research. Since the
1950s sociology psychological
researchers have conducted several
studies to determine the effects of same
sex parenting on children. As the research
results have fluctuated, it is important to
view the different outcomes that have
changed the general consensus among
scholars.
In 2005, the American Psychological
Association published a report including
the results of 59 different studies over the
course of 48 years. These studies
measured the different ways that same
sex parenting affects the development and
psychological well-being of children. The
report concluded:
"There is no evidence to suggest
that lesbian women or gay men
are unfit to be parents or that
psychosocial development
among children of lesbian
women or gay men is
compromised relative to that
among offspring of heterosexual
parents. Not a single study has
found children of lesbian or gay
parents to be disadvantaged in
any significant respect relative to
children of heterosexual parents.
Indeed, the evidence to date
suggests that home
environments provided by
lesbian and gay parents are as
likely as those provided by
heterosexual parents to support
and enable children's
psychosocial growth."


The next notable study that was
conducted, and is being used by the state
of Utah in their pursuit of upholding the
same sex marriage ban, is that of Mark
Regnerus, associate professor of
sociology at the University of Texas in
Austin. His research was published in the
Social Science Research Journal in July
of 2012. Regnerus's research concluded
that children of same sex couples are
more likely than children of heterosexual
couples to do poorly in school, engage in
criminal behavior, experience depression,
and engage in homosexual activity; these
are only a few of several disadvantages
found. In his study he also points out
errors in the studies reviewed by the APA
prior to the publishing of their report;
including the fact that a majority of said
studies were based on small, non-
representative samples, and that some did
not include heterosexual couples as
comparison groups.
After Regnerus's study was published,
states began using it in their pursuit of
banning same sex marriage. Shortly after,
the American Sociological Association
issued a report which disagreed with his
findings. They have noted that "The
majority of the individuals characterized
by him as children of lesbian mothers
and gay fathers were the offspring of
failed opposite-sex unions whose parent
subsequently had a same-sex relationship.
In other words, Regnerus did not study or
analyze the children of two same-sex
parents." Additionally they stated that
"When the Regnerus study compared the
children of parents who at one point had a
same-sex romantic relationship, most
of whom had experienced a family
dissolution or single motherhood, to
children raised by two biological, married
opposite-sex parents, the study stripped
away all divorced, single, and stepparent
families from the opposite-sex group,
leaving only stable, married, opposite-sex
families as the comparison."
Both Regnerus's study, and the
American Sociological Association's
response, have been included in files
submitted to the Tenth Circuit Court of
Appeals in the Kitchen V. Herbert case.
The difficult thing here is that when you
learn of all the confounding variables
which have been found with the studies
regarding same sex parents it's hard to

know what to believe. As it has been said
by multiple scholars, more research is
needed before a true conclusion can be
drawn. However, the majority of studies
that currently exist suggest that children
of same sex parents fare just as well as
heterosexual parents.
So where does this leave us in terms of
whether or not we should allow gay
marriage in the state of Utah? Do we
really want to allow it without truly
knowing how it will effect children?
Perhaps another point to consider is the
association between children and
marriage. Many people do believe that
one of the primary purposes of marriage
is to procreate. It is a belief that has been
around for centuries. However, there are
in fact those that marry even though they
can't have children; some marry but don't
plan to have children. We are also aware
that many children are born to women
that aren't married; according to the CDC
a staggering 40.7%.
In 2013 the Williams Institute
estimated that there are nearly 3 million
LGBT Americans that have had a child
and that there are nearly 6 million
children and adults in America that have
an LGBT parent. Additionally, same sex
couples with children are the most
common in Mississippi, Wyoming,
Alaska, Idaho, and Montana; none of
which allow same sex marriage. What
this tells us is that regardless of whether
or not same sex marriage is legal, same
sex couples have had and will continue to
have children even if we don't allow them
the right to marry.
First and foremost, the concern for the
well being of children will always exist. It
may be years before we have enough
research to conclude whether or not same
sex parents can be said to be just as good
as heterosexual parents. However, the
research that we have thus far does lead
us to believe that they are. While there
are many areas that need to be addressed
in seeking to improve the lives of
children, unless we plan to prohibit same
sex couples from having children, the act
of marrying in and of itself will have no
weight on the well being of our children.