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American Academy Of Pediatrics Formalizes Support For Marriage Equality

The American Academy of Pediatrics, which has over 60,000 members, has long been supportive of same-sex families, signing onto court briefs supporting marriage equality and defending LGBT youth from anti-gay efforts like the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Now, for the first time, the group has formally endorsed marriage equality as an organization, championing how marriage benefits same-sex couples’ children.

The full report cites dozens of studies about same-sex parenting and even takes time to debunk the politically manipulated Regnerus study for not actually assessing data on committed same-sex couples raising children. It concludes:

On the basis of this comprehensive review of the literature regarding the development and adjustment of children whose parents are the same gender, as well as the existing evidence for the legal, social, and health benefits of marriage to children, the AAP concludes that it is in the best interests of children that they be able to partake in the security of permanent nurturing and care that comes with the civil marriage of their parents,without regard to their parents’ gender or sexual orientation.

Marriage equality can help reduce social stigma faced by lesbian and gay parents and their children, thereby enhancing social stability, acceptance, and support. Children who are raised by married parents benefit from the social and legal status that civil marriage conveys to their parents.

When marriage of their parents is not a viable option, children should not be deprived of the opportunity for temporary foster care or adoption by single parents or couples, irrespective of their sexual orientation. Public policy and community support are vital to the success of children in these circumstances.

The AAP should not be confused with the impostor group, the American College of Pediatricians, a fringe group of conservatives that promotes ex-gay therapy and opposes LGBT equality. That group unsurprisingly hides its membership numbers, but likely has no more than 200 members.

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Social science reflects reality; same-sex couples are already raising children, so it’s not hard to conclude how those families would benefit from the legal protections of marriage equality.