Are Lesbians Better Parents?

Research from the longest-running study into lesbian parenting, carried out by the UCLA’s Williams Institute, suggests that children brought up by lesbian mothers are less likely to be physically or sexually abused.

Out of the 78 young people involved in the study, not one reported any sexual or physical abuse, while larger studies of American adolescents have found that 26 per cent say they have been physically abused and 8.3 per cent say they have been sexually abused by a parent or caregiver.

The study’s authors, Nanette Gartrell, Henry Boss and Naomi Goldberg, wrote:

“A key finding in the current study was that none of the . . adolescents reported physical or sexual abuse by a parent or other caregiver. This finding contradicts the notion, offered in opposition to parenting by gay and lesbian people, that same-sex parents are likely to abuse their offspring sexually.”

The authors concluded that the findings have implications for healthcare professionals, policymakers and child protection experts “who seek family models in which violence does not occur”.

Absolutely! Good parents, regardless of sexuality, love their kids and would NEVER hurt them! Take that haters!

[Image via Revolutionpix/WENN.]

Tags: abuse, lesbian, research