"Adoption Absurdity."Advocate 1052 (2011): 13. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.

This is an article review of how can the Catholic Church say its protecting children while throwing out hundreds of adoption and foster care cases? This is a case of the end of a century old partnership between the Roman Catholic Church and the state of Illinois. The Catholic Church officials decided to move out of foster care areas and adoption issues. The church is against same sex couple marriages and does not recognize them to be parents so is against issuing adoption and foster care to them. The same sex couples, who have civil union rights in the state of Illinois, say that this is prejudice on the part of the church which says that it is a violation of the constitutionally protected religious beliefs. Many states in the USA have now recognized same sex couples right to marriage and this has become a common ground for anti-gay activists for championing state run adoption and foster care homes. The National Organization for Marriage's Maggie Gallagher, one of the most vocal opponents of gay marriage says that if same sex couple move for equal rights they will be hurting children and put many foster care homes out of business

It is seen that in the state of Illinois, where the catholic church which handles one out of every seven cases of adoption gives up its stake on this the private adoption homes are willing to carry out the same with the catholic church moving out of this, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services handed over the same to a private care centre which handled 300 cases in weeks. The other catholic dioceses which sued to be exempted from this civil union law have received temporary injunction till their cases are heard in august.

It has been increasingly felt that the catholic dioceses have done enough service to the child welfare services and it would not be good if they leave but, their religious commitment refuses to accept same sex couple marriage which is since then a union civil liberties law and hence against their beliefs.

I am shocked by this. I knew from growing up Catholic that their view points on homosexual lifestyles wasn’t that friendly but I had no idea they went into all of this. My family, both immediate and extended comes from a Catholic background but luckily for my situation it is far from some of the extreme cases you hear about. My family has shown me nothing but love and support, yes they are Catholic, but they know what to believe in and when to “draw the line” so to speak. It is very scary that we live in a world that is still largely run by the Catholic Church. The same people that teach “love thy neighbor” are the same ones that are quick to say but not “those neighbors.”

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Goldberg, Abbie E., and JuliAnna Z. Smith. "Stigma, Social Context, And Mental Health: Lesbian And Gay Couples Across The Transition To Adoptive Parenthood." Journal Of Counseling Psychology 58.1 (2011): 139-150. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.

It is always a stressful experience on the part of the gay and lesbian couples to live in a world dominated by heterosexual population. The turmoil and the solution to the turmoil of the non-heterosexual couples in the respect of stepping into the realm of parenthood through the means of adoption has been meticulously conveyed in the article Stigma, Social Context, and Mental Health: Lesbian and Gay Couples Across the Transition to Adoptive Parenthood by Smith and Goldberg. Besides, the authors have also pointed out the pathetic condition of the non-heterosexual individuals which they face while leading life in a heterosexist world. The first and foremost problem which the non-heterosexual minority has to face is the imposition of the undue stigma on their non-heterosexual form of behavior by the heterosexual majority. The perverted endeavor of the heterosexual majority in the U.S society in specific and in the international societies in general to contradict and disparage any non-heterosexual form of identity, community or relationship has also been highlighted in the discussion. The authors have stressed on the fact that the heterosexual community acts as a pivotal antithesis to the natural concept of non-heterosexual orientation and the institutionalized heterosexism always tend to promote antigay legislations which always pose a threat to the wellbeing of the non-heterosexual minority across the world.

It is noteworthy that through their inhuman efforts institutionalized heterosexism is always tending to formulate law restricting marriages between gay or lesbian couples and the heterosexual majority is even standing against the process of adoption of children by same-sex couples. Now, that is sheer inhumanity. And hence, the authors emphasize on the fact that the wellbeing of the non-heterosexual community depends largely upon the cooperation of the heterosexual community as because, if the heterosexual community carries on pressurizing the non-heterosexual individuals in such perverted manners then the latter are sure to lose their mental stability which will in turn deteriorate their mental health. The authors conclude that like the biological heterosexual parents the non-heterosexual parents also go through phases of emotional changes while becoming parents through adoption for the first time. Hence, every human being, for the sake of humanity should render proper cooperation and healthy treatment towards the non-heterosexual couples and by doing so, the proper balance can be maintained in the human society and the non-heterosexual individuals will be able to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

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Chapman, Steve. "RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay Adoption: The Real Agenda." RealClearPolitics - Articles - Gay Adoption: The Real Agenda. 30 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.

The article explains that there is a need for stable families and love for children and this may not be available to them in case of gay adoption. Moreover since they require social stability in case of adoption it becomes crucial that they are in a position that they can take care of the child and this may or may not be possible that there be stability availed to the child in case of a gay adoption.

Moreover as gay adoption is not legal and there are several obstacles that can come into gay adoption then it can result in creating issues in raising the child. Having explored the notion, "To Parent or Not to Parent," the three things that I believe a person should consider in making this life changing decision include lifestyle, quality of time spent with the child and the child’s need and acceptance. This may or may not be available and possible in case of gay adoption and hence it results in there being several issues in gay adoption. Moreover it also results in quite a lot of instability and stress which will impact the life of the child.

Stress and being busy can make the child feel unwanted and rejected. It is extremely important that parents and children spend quality time with each other in order to understand the feelings and needs of each other better. It is important that they try and understand the views of each other and also that the parents communicate to their children in a kind and loving way in order to be able to make them feel accepted and not rejected. A mother is essential in a child’s life and more so when adopted. Social influences and what the children observe as well as the quality of care is what influence early child development most.

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Pemberton, Camilla. "Support For Gay Adoptive Parents." Community Care 1814 (2010): 20-21. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 June 2012.

This article explains gay adoption as a concept where psychology as well as sociology is extremely essential. In cases of there being gay adoption it results in several issues as gay parenting differs from parenting other children. Moreover in case of gay parenting it results in a responsibility to help the child be able to understand as well as be understood. Adopting children is a task of huge responsibility since bringing them up requires a lot of dedication and efforts. In case of gay parents it becomes very difficult to explain to the child that they are different and need to explain to the child in an extremely sensitive manner.

It becomes crucial for the parents to understand the sensitivity of the issue. It is not just the legal aspects which are important and can cause an obstruction but it is also the sensitive aspects of gay adoption and gay parenting that matter. Moreover stability is a very important thing for children in a younger age. When adoption of young children takes place, they would already be facing a distress of adjusting in a new environment as well as formation of a new family. Gay adoption then becomes more and more complicated. Moreover there may be cases where the child, adopted at an older age, may think they need and yearn for a “mother.” They might want all that a mother does, which they might think would not be possible in the case of gay adoption, and not understand and that a gay parent and/or parents can do the same thing. It is quite possible that gay parents may not be able to give children the required social stability as well since the child might not be mature enough to understand the concept of gay adoption or protect them from bullying and social issues that comes with this. There are several problems and situations that can arise from gay adoption, since the child would grow in a very different environment, which may result in mental distress. Being gay and adopted myself this is very hard to say but it is the truth, a child growing up in this situation would be faced with many challenges along the way as well as they gay adoptee parent(s).

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Lindenberger, Michael A. "The Fight Over Gay Adoption Heats Up." Time. Time, 26 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.

Discrimination against gays has been expressly forbidden across all the states in North America. Gay marriages for instance is slowly being recognized, a good illustration is at Massachusetts Supreme Court where it was made legal. Gay adoption has also won the battle and a state judge in Miami tossed out a statute that had barred gays from adopting. Although these are plusses for such a topic, it is still a minor thing on such a major road.

Many people are living their lives according to their sexuality and give their preference according to their views. Many people are leading life abundantly by same-sex marriage. By gay adoption, the children who are poorer, and who don’t have parents will get all the facilities they need, especially parents’ love. It is extremely necessary for children while they are in important developmental years to experience this love and will also get a much better future in for their life.

The gay issues and gay adoption are highly sensitive matters because it considers the physiological conditions. When Massachusetts court made it legal the other courts began to recognize gay rights. Many states including Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey and Maryland already expressed positive views about gays seeking to adopt. Some other States allow gay adoption without specific legislation. The States that prohibited gay adoption had an extremely hard time refusing gay adoption approved by other States. Gay adoption takes an explicit ruling by a judge. The adoption rulings are the kinds of decisions that have been designed by the US Constitution’s under the “Full Faith and Credit” clause.

Unlike gay marriages, gay adoption campaigns face a more difficult process. Normally marriage licenses are administrative in nature and are based on the constitutional protection of different states but child adoption rulings are based on the decision that the U.S. Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause are meant to protect. The executive director of National Lesbian and Gay Law Association said, “Gay and lesbian are willing to have to fight for foster adoption and the Court has stood up for the majority of this right”.

But if the Court and supporters continue to reach conflicting notions then the fight could be for a long time. The supporters said “We are looking for changes in the hearts of American peoples, and we are the parts of their community, and we can become loving parents.” Many conservatives are striving to fight against gay adoption. They have decided that facing the ballot box is the most preferred method to use compared to taking the issue to be tackled in the courthouse. The same conservatives have managed to pass votes in many states; this has led to 45 states in North America to declare gay marriages expressly illegal.

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Price, Rita. "Gay Families Struggle to Safeguard Adopted Kids." The Columbus Dispatch. 27 May 2012. Web. 29 May 2012.

The article explains the issues that exist in case of gay adoption and gay parenting which are not only legal issues but also several psychological and social issues. There are several problems that can arise as a gay couple would need to struggle in order to take care of an adopted child. It becomes very difficult for them to be able to understand the needs of the child and also explain to the child that they are gay. In case of societal acceptance and self-esteem as well, the child may have certain problems and may not be able to cope with the psychological pressures that come in as a part of being in a family without a mother. As a child is extremely sensitive and needs to be cared for with a lot of effort, in case of a gay family he may not receive the care and security.

Moreover gay parents also need to struggle to raise an adopted child as they are not able to cope up with the pressures of child adoption. Moreover there may also be several problems that the child faces while growing up as he does not get the care and love from a mother but is required to accept two fathers.

Moreover legal acceptance in case of gay parents and gay adoption is not very common. The laws for adoption is still skeptical in case of same sex couples since they doubt the stability and love that the child can get in a normal house and a normal family where a mother and a father take care of the child.In this way it becomes very important for the child and the parents to create effective communication and only then will the laws are able to change and accept same sex parents or gay adoption.

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Stone, Andrea. "Both Sides on Gay Adoption Cite Concern for Children." USA Today. Gannett, 20 Feb. 2006. Web. 29 May 2012.

The court of law, when asked to comment about it, is almost silent about homosexuality and gay adoption. It is as they don’t even want to “touch these issues.” The gay experts and advocates however say there are many cases pending in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee about gay adoption.

The executive director of the Family Equality Center in Boston said that, “they were bringing this issue to the attention of the American people, “and were likely to use a similar strategy when it comes to parenting issues. Gay marriage is expressed to be illegal in 45 states. The argument about gay adoption is more difficult than the argument about gay marriage. Gay adoption is an emotional and psychological matter and in such cases the court sees what they think is “best for the child.” Most children in foster homes have a scarred past as they have mostly been exposed to frequent abuse and neglect, this is clearly portrayed by the story of Michael in Oregon who had been molested and because of this had lost emotional touch. He refused to be hugged by anyone for four years. As an impact of his behavior, nobody had stepped up to adopt him. Birtcher and his partner O’Reilley wanted to adopt the child but the law did not allow because they were gay.

In North America, over 520,000 children are in foster care, according to North America Council on Adoptable Children. 120,000 children are put on adoption but only 50,000 find homes or families. This leaves 70,000 children in foster homes to be left out. These shows that families that can adopt the children are not enough, while gays who are willing to adopt are not allowed. Many gays would prefer to adopt a child who is, in lack of a better word, classified as a “reject” because they understand and feel how it is like to be the odd one out and classified as such.

The gay adoption issue will soon face the ballot if the legislators do not act says Rev. Russel Johnson Chairman of the Ohio Restoration Project. He is the one who spearheaded the fight against gay marriage on the ballot in 2004. The general public also has had a vote on this and a recent poll showed that 58% of Missouri voters and 62% of Ohio voters said they would definitely vote against it.

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Ruggeri, Amanda. "Emerging Gay Adoption Fight Shares Battle Lines of Same-Sex Marriage Debate."US News. U.S.News & World Report, 31 Oct. 2008. Web. 29 May 2012.

The state of Florida allows gays to become foster parents but ban them from adopting. This is an example of a case experienced by Frank Gill who wants to adopt two boys to whom he has fostered since 2004. In the states of Mississippi and Utah, they have also put a ban on adoption (Ruggeri par.1, 2).

There is no evidence showing that gay parents harm children. But many conservatives argue that it’s always in the best interest of the child to have both a mother and a father. In North America only 3 states do not allow gay adoption, 12 states allow gay adoption while the rest 33 states are not sure yet if the adoption petition might be a success.

Gays can find it easy to adopt since many courts treat it differently for singles versus couples. But this issue is tricky since in nearly 22 states it is not clear if both partners can legally adopt one child. In the long run this can leave the child with some crucial legal protections because if one of the parents dies the child might not get security from the other.

Advocates have argued that the issue of gay adoption should be decided only in the courtroom. Currently, the results in Florida and Arkansas indicate that the fighting has begun against gay adoption. The gay right supporters and conservatives are ready to fight back. The executive director of National Lesbian and Gay Law Association said “Gay and lesbian are willing to have a fight for foster adoption and regular adoption and the Court has stood up for the majority right”. But if the Court and supporters are to continue to reach conflicting results, the fight could be for a long run. The supporters said “We are looking for change in the hearts of the American people and making them understand that we are like them, and part of their community, we worry about homework and being lovely parents.”

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Kellard, James. "Gay Marriage Should Be Legal." Gay Marriage. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Do We Have a Constitutional Right to Ban Gay Marriage?" 2011. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 29 July 2012.

Gay marriage has always been a topic of speculation and in the olden times a topic of condemnation as well. There are many views on this topic which are mostly against it. Most religions are not supportive of this idea and there seem to be many practical obstacles to it as well. People will have tough time accepting it, because it is not the ideal thing to do but that does not mean that it is the wrong thing to do. We expect a child to be raised by a mother and a father but if he/she gets a disturbed and abusive childhood among them, it is better that they should be raised with a loving gay couple.

Gay marriage should be legalized as they are not a threat to the society, because if two people are ready to spend their life with each other in harmony, there is no need of the outside world or religion to interfere in it. They are far better than the violent households in which heterosexual couples fight and get violent with each other. It is also said that it is against the institution of marriage which is the communion of a man and a woman. In the purest of sense it should be done when a man and a woman love each other but today this is not the case. Many couple gets married for money, protection or just something as materialistic as a medical insurance. In the given scenario it is quite unlikely that the institution of marriage has attained the same respect as before. On the contrary, gay couples marry out of love. Any couple whether homosexual or heterosexual wants to get married for the sake of love and companionship should be legalized and respected. This is not about religion as no religion supports violence or condemnation when two people irrespective of gender are ready to live in peace.

The conclusion should be to allow the gay couples to get married and should not be given any extra hype than any normal heterosexual marriage. The unwanted publicity created around these marriages makes it more awkward for the gay couples to live happily as they are almost treated as an outcast who have done something outrageously wrong. There are no religious justifications to support that they are not normal. Almost every religion preaches to live in peace and harmony without disturbing anyone. Gay couples are not a threat or bad influence, the people just need to open themselves to the idea.

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Charlotte J. Patterson, Duke J., Gender L., Adoption of minor children by lesbian and gay adults: A Social science perspective, June 1995.

The article deals with the adoption of minor children by gays and lesbians. Although many of the jurisdictions do not allow this to happen, but these types of cases do occur and there is no harm in having gays and lesbians as parents of the children. The main motive is to provide the child a healthy environment which is accomplished.

Gays and lesbians can be fine parents to children and it has been proven by some of the complicated cases as well that they are sometimes better than the biological parents. It is important to discuss here that sometimes the claim to biological parents have been denied and the adoption is done by the homosexual parents as it was found to be in the best consequences of the situation. The claims were terminated on ethical grounds and their biological parents were not found to be competent enough to take care of the children on moral and ethical issues. These kind of cases reflect a face of the society which is very bad as people condemn homosexual people for not being normal, but they are perfectly fine people and equal status should be given to them as they are liable to have a good life and they are very good parents instead.

Homosexuality is a sensitive and controversial topic ever since. It has known to face oppression and public humiliation from olden times. Though things are getting better now-a-days, but there was a long period for which homosexuality has been considered a source of utter condemnation. Though in changing times they have been accepted in the society but still they have a long way to go and thus it is important that they are given every right to behave and allowed to interact in a manner every heterosexual couple is dealt in the society. This article is giving information in that regard as it is a good step that in some jurisdiction it is acceptable that the parents of an adopted child shall be homosexual. It has got deeper implications as an increase level of faith in homosexuals which were not the case in olden times. Gays and lesbians had seen a tough time fighting for their rights but if not immediately, then gradually they are crawling towards attaining that goal.

This article has some controversial cases as well where the rights of the biological parents were not terminated yet the child was adopted by the homosexual couples. These are the example that people are getting more and more open towards accepting the idea of gays and lesbians as extremely normal level headed people who can be totally trusted with children and they can be really good and loving parents to children. People still have their reservation for homosexual people as they have not been given equal status in the society. They are treated as outcaste and so are still fighting for their identity. They are far better than the people who don’t treat children well and leave them alone which in some cases happen to be the biological parents of the child. There should be every right given to a homosexual parent as that of a heterosexual parent.

ENGL 112 Exploratory Paper

When we explore we investigate or study new ideas. Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Magellan, and Ponce de Leon were explorers who sought new knowledge of the world they knew and that others believed to be true. They understood the position of the government and the people of their countries. They understood what they believed to be true. Their knowledge and understanding allowed them to form rebuttals or counterarguments to the world’s knowledge at that time. Without these men the discovery of America and other lands would not have happened. But, because of their desire to explore, Europeans gained new lands and new knowledge of the world around them.

The explorers sought to prove their ideas. They committed their lives and often their money to prove what they believed was true. That is basically what you will do with your exploratory essay. Explore your ideas on an issue by turning it over and testing it.

Exploratory writing allows you to use your writing process to explore unfamiliar, perhaps intimidating subject areas. You will want to get involved—personally – with your subject. You will also need to get inside the subject and get the subject inside of you. Do not bring preconceived notions about proper or expected ways to respond to the subject.

Topic: Explore the range of positions about the issue selected and used for the Annotated Bibliography. To clearly write about an issue, you need to understand what others are thinking and feeling about the topic. Begin with the sources found for Annotated Bibliography showing the various rhetorical situations of the issue. You may need/want to do additional research to fully explore the issue.

Purpose: To understand various positions on an issue and explore your own position on that issue (stopping short of actually making your own argument on the issue). The paper will synthesize (evaluate references for topics/issues/themes they have in common) the viewpoints on a particular issue from a variety of articles with your own position. Do not confuse perspectives with sub-issues about the topic.

Audience: You and members of the class and regional, federal or world individuals who have an interest in the issue being explored.

Focus: Investigate and prepare to join others who have started conversations about your issue.

Development: As you begin your Exploratory, read and annotate articles on the issue. Be sure you find three different views about the issue. Summarize articles and take notes. Your Exploratory essay should:

Describe the rhetorical situation

Explain three or more positions on the issue along with reasons why their authors have them.

Put forth your own position on the issue along with the reasons why you are taking this stance.

Make a tentative claim

Present a paper that has a minimal number of surface, technical formatting, and grammatical problems. (Transitions are particularly important here.)

The paper should be cited, like any academic paper. Use MLA or APA. Give credit in the body of the paper and give source information in the Works Cited or Reference page.

Length, Format and Minimum Requirements: 900-1000 words, plus Works Cited/Reference following MLA or APA style formatting and documentation for sources used in your essay and listed in the Works Cited/References page. Use the style (MLA/APA A minimum of three sources is required.

Due dates: See the calendar for final draft due dates.

Grading: See the grade sheet for a review on how your essay will be graded.