One of the biggest ethical dilemmas in America as of 2013 is the right for gays and lesbians to adopt children. American people have many mixed emotions about the dilemma; some believe that the idea is completely disgraceful and preposterous. While others argue that same-sex adoption allows more diversity within American families.

“If a child’s brought up in a loving environment, who cares about the parents sexual preference?” (Same-sex adoption advocate) Denying same-sex adoption can evoke feeling of discrimination and the act of undermining basic human rights. Contrary to popular belief homosexual couples have the same-mindset of the “normal” heterosexual couples; they too believe in settling down having children. Same-sex advocates try to prove to society that unlike most heterosexual couple homosexual couples are not as perverted as society portrays them to be. Unfortunately gays and lesbians are still treated as if they are caged animals. Same sex adoption advocates are generally the typical unorthodox Christian who believes in the equality of all humans. These Americans have the mindset that antithetical to typical Old Testament studying Christians and Catholics they believe no sin greater than the other under the eyes of Christ all sin is equal.

As reported on the 2000 Census, about 65,000 children lived with same sex parents. In 2012, 110,000 live with gay parents, nearly a 100% increase. (Alger). Less than 1% lives with same-sex parents. Therefore, children with same-sex parents are still far and away a minority. Children that have grown up in a same-sex household are taught from a young age to adjust to society and the criterion that comes alongside their parent’s life style. “Consistently, over the past three decades, researchers have found that the daughters and sons of same-sex parents are psychologically well-adjusted…” (Loes van Gelderen). As of 2014 the United States has 16 states that have legalized same-sex adoption; even with such a great attainment in these states; most states lack legal protections to guard against favoring heterosexual parents over gays and lesbians in adoption and foster care placements. An example of this lack of protection Michael and Chad Lord-George; the married couple spent thousands of dollars and waited over 5 years to adopt a new born. Due to the fact that most adoption agencies are religiously based same-sex adoption can last up to 10 years.

“Adoption is just a "mask" to fulfill their desires and "cover" up in this society.”(Same-sex opponent) In some Americans eyes denying same-sex adoption is only benefiting the upcoming generations. This generation of gay and lesbian lack a sense of fellowship with their partners. Never satisfied with one another leads the couple to venture in risky choices to fulfill their unfulfilled desires. Raising children in this type of environment would not be seen as healthy because an unstable home. Not only would the child have to deal with an unstable home life but they would be faced with socialization problems with other people because of humiliation that they will undergo. Opponents of same-sex adoption often protest that in the bible it states man is to leave his mother and father and cling to his wife. Also in genesis God created Eve as a companion for Adam to establish the foundation of the human family. Another aspect that opponent of same –sex adoption cover is the allegation that children adopted to a same- sex family are more prone to be rape and abused by the parents . Characteristics of the stereotypical same-sex opponent are: usually older in age, strong beliefs in their religion, and republican. Because of these unfortunate attributes these American’s are not open for change especially a change that isn’t quite biblically justified.

The case of a same-sex Connecticut couple George Harasz and Douglas Writh were accused of repeatedly raping and abusing two of their nine adopted boys. The couple adopted three sets of male siblings beginning in 2000, and ran a home-based dog breeding business called The Puppy Guy. The couple was arrested in November 2011 following a police and state investigation of sex-abuse allegations. The children were removed from the home. (Ortiz). Police said two boys, ages 5 and 15, accused Harasz of sexually assaulting them. Harasz was initially facing first-degree sexual assault and other charges, while Wirth had been charged with third-degree sexual assault of the 15-year-old boy. Their arrest warrants claimed the couple not only sexually and physically abused the children, but also forced them to sleep in closets. Cases such as the Harasz and writh make government turn the other cheek, and very cautious with same – sex adoption. When interviewed the two young boys claimed that not only were they brutally raped and abusived but they were forced to sleep in the closet, and were feed little to no food daily. These young boys will not only have to “start over” with new set of parents but they will have trust and emotional issue for the rest of their lives.

Same-sex adoption should be legalized and not frowned upon in society. Just like other heterosexual couple homosexual couple has the same life goals, and should be granted the freedom to adopt regardless of the sexual orientation. Far too long society has tried to create a utopian society where all families look the same under one democracy and in reality no one can live up to societies expectation because no is born perfect. Every child deserves to have someone love them and care for them regardless if it's homosexual or a heterosexual couple. Gay parents can provide for a child the same way a heterosexual couple can. Every human being on this earth has rights, homosexuals are no different. The child like many other children will face some type of adversity in their lifetime, but in the same sense what's important is that the child will know that they're loved by their parents. The key factor of a family is love, as long as the children are loved by their gay fathers or lesbian mothers, the adopting should be permitted.