Free Essays on Gay Adoption

â€Å"When a gay couple sought to adopt a boy- who had leukemia, had been neglected by his biological parents, had lived in five foster homes, and whose adoption was favored by his legal representative- the judge deemed it ‘not in the interest of a seven-year-old male child to be placed for adoption into the home of a pair of adult male homosexual lovers.’†(Utne 58) Three years of searching for a qualified heterosexual couple failed. This and many other similar cases have denied children a family by ignoring many qualified homosexuals. With this being an age when people are supposedly more open-minded, why is it that gays are treated this way just because of their sexual orientation? Many Americans are still uncomfortable with the idea of gay parents. The traditional family has always included a mother and a father. However, today more and more families are being headed by gay parents. Some have children from previous marriages. Many must use artificial inseminati on or surrogate mothers because it is extremely difficult for gays to adopt children. Although it seems to contradict society’s view of the traditional family, homosexuals should be allowed to adopt because they deserve equal rights, and sexual orientation is not a reasonable determining factor in the qualifications of a parent. Also, allowing them to adopt can actually help society. â€Å"Surveys suggest that a large majority of the American public generally favor anti-discrimination laws.†(Harris 2) Why then, according to a Newsweek survey, do only 36% of those surveyed think gay couples should have the right to adopt? Samuel Chavers, assistant general counsel for Children and Families, says â€Å"adoption is not a right; it’s a privilege.† If this is true, there is still not a rational basis for denying homosexuals the â€Å"privilege† to adopt. It is clearly an anti-gay bias. Although only two states specifically ban adoption by gays, most stat es discourage it. Just as ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption Free Essays on Gay Adoption The conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in today’s society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the Pro side first. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they don’t deserve equal rights in society. Society has to realize that the modern family has developed into many different forms in recent years in that the "nuclear family" is not necessarily the most common form anymore. Then I will attempt to analyze the Con side which expresses the fact that two people of the same sex should not be raising and rearing children together. Many believe that if the couple is unable to produce children together, then they shouldn’t be raising them as parents. Children need a balance in their lives and different sexed parents can provide that balance efficiently. Each parent (mom or dad) socializes the child differently and the child needs to be introduced to both worlds. I will then proceed to critique both sides on strengths and weaknesses, based on facts, studies, and my own opinion, and then draw some of my own conclusions on this controversial topic of Gay Parenting. Pro Position There is no valid reason for refusing to call lesbian and gay headed household families. They fall under every conceivable criterion for identifying families and the concept of a Family. "They are groups of coresident kin providing jointly through income-pooling for eachothers need of food and shelter. They socialize children, engage in emotional and physical support, and make up part of a larger kin network". (O’ Brien and Weir, 128). There are also many homophobic ( the irrational fear or hatred of homosexuality or gay people, Biery 88) individuals in today’s societ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption The conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in today’s society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the Pro side first. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they don’t deserve equal rights in society. Society has to realize that the modern family has developed into many different forms in recent years in that the "nuclear family" is not necessarily the most common form anymore. Then I will attempt to analyze the Con side which expresses the fact that two people of the same sex should not be raising and rearing children together. Many believe that if the couple is unable to produce children together, then they shouldn’t be raising them as parents. Children need a balance in their lives and different sexed parents can provide that balance efficiently. Each parent (mom or dad) socializes the child differently and the child needs to be introduced to both worlds. I will then proceed to critique both sides on strengths and weaknesses, based on facts, studies, and my own opinion, and then draw some of my own conclusions on this controversial topic of Gay Parenting. Pro Position There is no valid reason for refusing to call lesbian and gay headed household families. They fall under every conceivable criterion for identifying families and the concept of a Family. "They are groups of coresident kin providing jointly through income-pooling for eachothers need of food and shelter. They socialize children, engage in emotional and physical support, and make up part of a larger kin network". (O’ Brien and Weir, 128). There are also many homophobic ( the irrational fear or hatred of homosexuality or gay people, Biery 88) individuals in today’s societ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption The conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in today’s society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the Pro side first. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they don’t deserve equal rights in society. Society has to realize that the modern family has developed into many different forms in recent years in that the "nuclear family" is not necessarily the most common form anymore. Then I will attempt to analyze the Con side which expresses the fact that two people of the same sex should not be raising and rearing children together. Many believe that if the couple is unable to produce children together, then they shouldn’t be raising them as parents. Children need a balance in their lives and different sexed parents can provide that balance efficiently. Each parent (mom or dad) socializes the child differently and the child needs to be introduced to both worlds. I will then proceed to critique both sides on strengths and weaknesses, based on facts, studies, and my own opinion, and then draw some of my own conclusions on this controversial topic of Gay Parenting. Pro Position There is no valid reason for refusing to call lesbian and gay headed household families. They fall under every conceivable criterion for identifying families and the concept of a Family. "They are groups of coresident kin providing jointly through income-pooling for eachothers need of food and shelter. They socialize children, engage in emotional and physical support, and make up part of a larger kin network". (O’ Brien and Weir, 128). There are also many homophobic ( the irrational fear or hatred of homosexuality or gay people, Biery 88) individuals in today’s societ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption The conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in today’s society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the Pro side first. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they don’t deserve equal rights in society. Society has to realize that the modern family has developed into many different forms in recent years in that the "nuclear family" is not necessarily the most common form anymore. Then I will attempt to analyze the Con side which expresses the fact that two people of the same sex should not be raising and rearing children together. Many believe that if the couple is unable to produce children together, then they shouldn’t be raising them as parents. Children need a balance in their lives and different sexed parents can provide that balance efficiently. Each parent (mom or dad) socializes the child differently and the child needs to be introduced to both worlds. I will then proceed to critique both sides on strengths and weaknesses, based on facts, studies, and my own opinion, and then draw some of my own conclusions on this controversial topic of Gay Parenting. Pro Position There is no valid reason for refusing to call lesbian and gay headed household families. They fall under every conceivable criterion for identifying families and the concept of a Family. "They are groups of coresident kin providing jointly through income-pooling for eachothers need of food and shelter. They socialize children, engage in emotional and physical support, and make up part of a larger kin network". (O’ Brien and Weir, 128). There are also many homophobic ( the irrational fear or hatred of homosexuality or gay people, Biery 88) individuals in today’s societ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption â€Å"When a gay couple sought to adopt a boy- who had leukemia, had been neglected by his biological parents, had lived in five foster homes, and whose adoption was favored by his legal representative- the judge deemed it ‘not in the interest of a seven-year-old male child to be placed for adoption into the home of a pair of adult male homosexual lovers.’†(Utne 58) Three years of searching for a qualified heterosexual couple failed. This and many other similar cases have denied children a family by ignoring many qualified homosexuals. With this being an age when people are supposedly more open-minded, why is it that gays are treated this way just because of their sexual orientation? Many Americans are still uncomfortable with the idea of gay parents. The traditional family has always included a mother and a father. However, today more and more families are being headed by gay parents. Some have children from previous marriages. Many must use artificial inseminati on or surrogate mothers because it is extremely difficult for gays to adopt children. Although it seems to contradict society’s view of the traditional family, homosexuals should be allowed to adopt because they deserve equal rights, and sexual orientation is not a reasonable determining factor in the qualifications of a parent. Also, allowing them to adopt can actually help society. â€Å"Surveys suggest that a large majority of the American public generally favor anti-discrimination laws.†(Harris 2) Why then, according to a Newsweek survey, do only 36% of those surveyed think gay couples should have the right to adopt? Samuel Chavers, assistant general counsel for Children and Families, says â€Å"adoption is not a right; it’s a privilege.† If this is true, there is still not a rational basis for denying homosexuals the â€Å"privilege† to adopt. It is clearly an anti-gay bias. Although only two states specifically ban adoption by gays, most stat es discourage it. Just as ... Free Essays on Gay Adoption Gay Adoption Today people seem open about homosexuality, there is nothing to hide anymore it seems. I think this is not true when you look at the statistics of a gay / lesbian and their life styles it is embarrassing almost. I would definitely not want to be known as homosexual. People say that homosexuality is natural and it’s just the other side of heterosexual. If this is true why is the homosexual life style so unhealthy? But if they want to be homosexual that’s up to them but when people start to talk about letting a homosexual adopt a child, which seems absurd. With all the facts and information we have today and some of the population thinks its ok to have a homosexual adopt a child. Children that live with homosexual parent or parents are four times as likely to end up being gay. It is also a known fact that homosexuals are 16 times more likely to molest a child. Lastly stability is the key to raising an emotionally and mentally healthy child. Homosexual partners simp ly cannot provide the stability that married heterosexual couples can give. Children need a role model, both male and female. Every child has the right to both a father and a mother. In a study shown in January 1996 issue of Developmental Psychology, London researchers Susan Golombok and Fiona Tasker found that children who have been raised by homosexual parents were 4 times more likely to identify as homosexual or get involved in homosexual behavior than children raised in heterosexual households (Bagby 1). As resulted in their studies, Golombok and Tasker realize that â€Å"by creating a climate of acceptance or rejection of homosexuality within the family, parents may have some impact on their children’s sexual experimentation as heterosexual, lesbian or gay.† Homosexual adoption is just a way to gain the benefits and rights of a homosexual marriage. (Huggins 2) Its like unmarried heterosexuals shouldn’t be able to adopt because th...

Major General Romeyn B. Ayres in the Civil War

Major General Romeyn B. Ayres in the Civil War Romeyn Ayres - Early Life Career: Born at East Creek, NY on December 20, 1825, Romeyn Beck Ayres was the son of a doctor.  Educated locally, he obtained an extensive knowledge of Latin from his father who insisted that he study the language relentlessly.  Seeking a military career, Ayres received an appointment to West Point in 1843.  Arriving at the academy, his classmates included  Ambrose Burnside, Henry Heth, John Gibbon, and Ambrose P. Hill.  Despite his grounding in Latin and previous education, Ayres proved an average student at West Point and graduated ranked 22nd of 38 in the Class of 1847.  Made a brevet second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 4th US Artillery.   As the United States was engaged in the Mexican-American War, Ayres joined his unit in Mexico later that year.  Traveling south, Ayres spent the majority of his time in Mexico serving in garrison duty at Puebla and Mexico City.  Returning north after the conflict ended, he moved through a variety of peacetime posts on the frontier before reporting to Fort Monroe for duty at the artillery school in 1859.  Developing a reputation as social and considerate individual, Ayres remained at Fort Monroe into 1861.  With the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and start of the Civil War that April, he received a promotion to captain and assumed command of a battery in the 5th US Artillery. Romeyn Ayres - Artilleryman: Attached to Brigadier General Daniel Tylers division, Ayres battery took part in the Battle of Blackburns Ford on July 18.  Three days later, his men were present at the First Battle of Bull Run but were initially held in reserve.  As the Union position collapsed, Ayres gunners distinguished themselves in covering the armys retreat.  On October 3, he received an assignment to serve as chief of artillery for Brigadier General William F. Smiths division.  In this role, Ayres traveled south in the spring to take part in Major General George B. McClellans Peninsula Campaign.  Moving up the Peninsula, he participated in the Siege of Yorktown and advance on Richmond.  In late June, as General Robert Lee moved to the offensive, Ayres continued to provide reliable service in resisting Confederate assaults during the Seven Days Battles. That September, Ayres moved north with the Army of the Potomac during the Maryland Campaign.  Arriving at the Battle of Antietam on September 17 as part of VI Corps, he saw little action and remained largely in reserve.  Later that fall, Ayres received a promotion to brigadier general on November 29 and assumed command of all VI Corps artillery.  At the Battle of Fredericksburg the following month, he directed his guns from positions on Stafford Heights as the armys assaults moved forward.  A short time later, Ayres suffered an injury when his horse fell.  While on sick leave, he resolved to leave the artillery as infantry officers received promotions at a faster rate.   Romeyn Ayres - Changing Branches: Asking for a transfer to the infantry, Ayres request was granted and on April 21, 1863 he received command of the 1st Brigade in Major General George Sykes division of V Corps.  Known as the Regular Division, Sykes force was largely composed of regular US Army troops rather than state volunteers.  Ayres took his new command into action on May 1 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.  Initially driving the enemy back, Sykes division was halted by Confederate counterattacks and orders from army command Major General Joseph Hooker.  For the remainder of the battle, it was only lightly engaged.  The following month, the army underwent a rapid reorganization as Hooker was relieved and replaced by V Corps commander Major General George G. Meade.  As part of this, Sykes ascended to corps command while Ayres assumed leadership of the Regular Division. Moving north in pursuit of Lee, Ayres division arrived at the Battle of Gettysburg around midday on July 2.  After a brief rest near Powers Hill, his men were ordered south to reinforce the Union left against an attack by Lieutenant General James Longstreet.  During this time, Sykes detached Brigadier General Stephen H. Weeds brigade to support the defense of Little Round Top while Ayres received a directive to assist Brigadier General John C. Caldwells division near the Wheatfield.  Advancing across the field, Ayres moved into line near Caldwell.  A short time later, the collapse of the Union position in the Peach Orchard to the north compelled Ayres and Caldwells men to fall back as their flank was threatened.  Conducting a fighting retreat, the Regular Division took heavy losses as it move back across the field. Romeyn Ayres - Overland Campaign Later War: Despite having to fall back, Ayres leadership was praised by Sykes following the battle.  After traveling to New York City to aid in suppressing draft riots there later in the month, he led his division during the inconclusive Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns that fall.  In the spring of 1864 when the Army of the Potomac was reorganized following Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grants arrival, the number of corps and divisions was reduced.  As a result, Ayres found himself reduced to leading a brigade largely composed of regulars in Brigadier General Charles Griffins V Corps division.  As Grants Overland Campaign began in May, Ayres men were heavily engaged at the Wilderness and saw action at Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor.  Ã‚   On June 6, Ayres received command of V Corps Second Division as the army began making preparations to shift south across the James River.  Leading his men, he took part in the attacks on Petersburg later that month and the resulting siege.  In recognition of Ayres service during the fighting in May-June, he received a brevet promotion to major general on August 1.  As the siege progressed, Ayres played a central role in the Battle of Globe Tavern in late August and operated with V Corps against the Weldon Railroad.  The following spring, his men contributed to the key victory at Five Forks on April 1 which helped force Lee to abandon Petersburg.  In subsequent days, Ayres led his division during the Appomattox Campaign which resulted in Lees surrender on April 9. Romeyn Ayres - Later Life: In the months after the end of the war, Ayres directed a division in the Provisional Corps before assuming command of the District of the Shenandoah Valley.  Departing this post in April 1866, he was mustered out of the volunteer service and reverted to his regular US Army rank of lieutenant colonel.  Over the next decade, Ayres performed garrison duty at various posts through the South before aiding in suppressing railroad strikes in 1877.  Promoted to colonel and made commander of the 2nd US Artillery in 1879, he later was posted at Fort Hamilton, NY.  Ayres died December 4, 1888 at Fort Hamilton and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  Ã‚   Selected Sources Gettysburg: Romeyn AyresArlington Cemetery: Romeyn AyresFind a Grave - Romeyn Ayres