Italian psychologists have presented evidence to the government that there is no difference in the development and psychosocial behavior of children raised in heterosexual or homosexual families.

The psychologists said the majority of studies show that having gay parents does not affect children negatively.

The Senate of Italy passed in February a watered down bill allowing civil unions for same-sex people. The bill has been deprived of the adoption provision, which would have allowed same-sex couples to adopt each other’s child, the so-called stepchild adoption.

People against marriage equality argued that it is harmful for children to be raised in a homosexual family and it negatively affects their future.

No negative effects

The psychologists’ association of Lazio in Italy has presented Italian senators with a review of international literature from the past 40 years in connection with parenting and child rearing of same-sex couples and the psychological and emotional effects on children.

The studies discovered that there is no scientific evidence that parenting effectiveness is related to parental sexual orientation, which means that the children of lesbian and gay parents evolve the same way as other children.

Stop discrimination

Gay and lesbian individuals and couples are capable of meeting the best interests of the child and should be afforded the same rights as heterosexual parents. They are able to provide the same supportive and healthy environment for their children.

As a reason, all types of discrimination should be eliminated on the basis of sexual orientation in these cases. Homosexual adults have the same parenting skills and concerns, and it is assured that children raised by homosexual parents are not likely to be more unstable or underdeveloped.

Gay and lesbian couples and individuals should have the right to become parents through adoption, fostering and also reproductive technologies. These methods are in the best interest of the children and should be not prohibited solely because both adults are of the same gender.

Being able to have a family is one of the main social values of humankind, one that connects people and helps human evolution. Depriving adults and children of their right to have a family is against the core social values of life and, moreover, against every signed and ratified international and regional agreement and convention on human rights.