Citing research from the American Academy of Pediatrics that children who grow up raised by gay parents “fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual,” PFLAG has hit back at Senator John McCain’s ignorant remarks to the New York Times over the weekend that he and his wife Cindy and their heterosexual marriage are the ultimate example of what adoptive parents should look like.
Said McCain: “I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no, I don’t believe in gay adoption.”
Responded executive director Jody M. Huckaby: “In a country where more than 125,000 children are waiting for foster parents, Senator McCain would deny loving homes to children who desperately need them simply because of an outdated prejudice about what a family may look like. We are disappointed and saddened that a public leader who is himself an adoptive father would deny the children in America’s foster care system the opportunity to thrive as part of a welcoming family. Love makes a family, but short-sighted positions like Senator McCain’s can certainly tear families apart, too. Senator McCain’s position is out of synch with the research and science and out of step with what is in the best interests of children waiting for a home and a family. PFLAG knows the pain inflicted upon families due to misinformation about LGBT issues. We implore Senator McCain to take a serious look at the overwhelming evidence and listen to the stories of the countless children raised by loving lesbian and gay couples. The evidence is clear: children should not be denied access to the loving homes of gay couples.”
PFLAG notes additional research from the AAP: “In fact, growing up with parents who are lesbian or gay may confer some advantages to children. They have been described as more tolerant of diversity and more nurturing toward younger children than children whose parents are heterosexual.”
