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» adoption   2004-06-02 13:56 Stephen Dawson

Incidentally, it seems fairly solid these days that matters such as sexual preference are determined in the womb, not by 'cold mothers' or 'meek fathers'. Nor, presumably, by being brought up a gay couple.

In my opinion, many of the objections to gay adoptions are based on homophobia, and that is probably the first time I have ever used that word. The fear is that gay parents will bring up gay children, or will possibly sexually abuse these children.

The latter possibility exists, of course. Just as sometimes straight fathers sexually abuse their daughters. This concern is somewhat heightened by extension from studies of heterosexual family abuse, as it seems that biological fathers are far less likely to abuse their daughters than adoptive fathers. Consequently homosexual adoptive fathers, if their tastes also include pedophilia, may be expected to abuse their adopted sons at approximately the same (low) rates as adoptive heterosexual fathers abuse their daughters.

But if male homosexual adoptions of male children are banned on this basis, then so should conventional adoptions of female children. In general we prefer not to prohibit activities on the basis of low rates of bad outcomes (except in the case of the War on Drugs, and in traffic regulation).

Sad to say, I think I shall have to clarify my view lest I be accused myself of homophobia. Homosexuality does not necessarily include pedophilia, just as heterosexuality doesn't. However some homosexuals are pedophiles, just as some heterosexuals are.

  • Homosexual Adoption -- Strawman 2004-06-02