sam_gamgee | (no subject) (Reply)

Just doing a quick fly-by, since I have to be up in *looks at clock* three hours. Thankfully, I can sleep on the way to the airport and then on the plane.

And then, tomorrow afternoon, I shall be in the beautiful American Northwest. :-D

But now, it's letter to the editor time again!

(I swear, some of these people! And it seems like all of the really award-winning ones are printed on Sundays, I gotta start reading Sunday's paper more.)

Susan Reimer's column July 1 claimed that the discussion of gay marriage may be harmful to children of same-sex parents. Whether or not this is true, her tone points to a serious problem: the inability to have thoughtful discussions.

On a number of issues, including gay marriage, environmental protection and illegal immigration, discussion turns emotoinal and accusative.

It may not be public debate that hurts children adopted by same-sex couples. It may be their home situation itself.

Some studies have shown there is little or no harm in having children raised by same-sex couples, but there are also studies that show psychological damage is done.

Recently France rejected same-sex marriage, largely because its Commision on the Family and the Rights of Children concluded children suffer when they grow up in households based on "ficticious filiation."

We need to protect all citizens, young and old in an open and honest way. We must admit to the possibility that in some cases, giving privileges to one group may infringe on others.

So, one question (aside from the huge one of whether or not this person actually *read* the article) - do kids adopted by straight parents suffer due to "ficicious filiation"? Grr.