Same-Sex Couples: Marriage, Families, and Children

Abstract:     
This report analyzes the arguments for and against a ballot initiative, Proposition 22, which would ban recognition of same- sex couple marriage in California. The analysis focuses on the likely effects of passage of the initiative on the well-being of children. It also looks at the issue of same-sex marriage in the context of California family law and policies. The report assesses the research examining the relationships of same-sex couples and the research on the development of children raised by gay parents. The report concludes that allowing same-sex couples to marry would benefit the adults, their children, and society as a whole. The report also assesses the issues raised by state statutes that would deny "full faith and credit" to same-sex couple marriages, if some state decides to authorize such marriages.

JEL Classifications: K19

Working Paper Series