sadvantages, and face more social disparities than traditional heterosexual families where a male figure is present. Contrary to popular belief, the available research indicates homosexual parents demonstrate effective parental skills (Bozett 1987). ANALYSISBased upon the literature, it is evident that homosexual families face ridicule, prejudice, and discrimination simply because of their sexual orientation. Although societal viewpoints are gradually improving, the facts reveal that societal and judicial discrimination still prevail. Patterns in the data indicate that federal policies, laws, and court rulings side with traditional family values. In most cases “lesbians and gay men often have the task of educating family court personnel, social workers, agency administrators, licensing programs, and home evaluators, among others, that gay and lesbian people are as able to be fit, loving, appropriate, and generous parents as anyone else” (Bozett 1987: 90). Legislation against homosexual discrimination is now becoming popular because it is apparent that homosexuals are facing discrimination in the workplace and from society. However, same sex marriages and rights to benefits are not as popular among society or legislation. Businesses are now beginning to offer benefits to same sex partners, but due to their legal status, they are still not granted the right to benefits that heterosexuals enjoy. It seems to be ironic that businesses who in most cases tend to be conservative are now beginning to recognize same sex relationships (Cabaj 1998). Studies have found that children of homosexual families are no more inclined to face emotional or psychological problems than children of heterosexual families. In fact, a study conducted by Michael Bailey found that sons of gay fathers were 90 percent heterosexual and that their sexual preference was unrelated to their exposure to their gay father. Furthermore, studies indicate...
