When I was in college (1995), there were a lot of studies about the adverse effects of males and females raised without a father. I saw some of these effects with my own children. I would not advise anyone to do that if they can help it. However, since then psychologists seemed to have changed their tunes. I think politics has had something to do with that change, because I was also taught how studies can be made to come out in a certain way.

I had one client who openly talked about being raised by a lesbian who hated men. Despite counseling on that issue, he continued to blame his mother for his being gay as a result of not having a male role model in his life. Whether he was right or not I do not know, but children will have their own views of their parents no matter how hard that parent tries to be a good parent. Anyone who thinks they can beat that will hear all about it from their kids.

As are so many matters, successful parenting depends on many factors and detrrming suitable parents in adoption is a complex question. There are many things to consider, but sexual orientation, perse, is not one that should preclude gay couples from further consideration. You only need to check out studies that show children from same sex couple families have no more emotional or social problems than kids from traditional families.

In our society today, understanding homosexuality does not come naturally. Our traditional society has historrically ostrasized homosexuality from every common discourse we have, entertainment and news, classroom education, religious training, and so on. It therefore takes deliberate, open minded research to become educated on the true nature of homosexuality and all of the issues surrounding it. As the new Speaker, you will be confronted with some of these isssues and your leadership could mean life or death, health, and happiness to many gay, lesbian, bi, and transexual individuals. You have indicated that you do keep an open mind and that want to be fair and balanced. For you to do these things you must assure yourself that you are educated about the issues. Gay addoption is an extremely important matter which should receive such efforts on your part. Once you do, you will find your discomfort eliviated.