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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 10 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 2994 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

Some studies, however, do report that some children of lesbian parents exhibit some of the following developmental differences:

are more willing to consider homosexuality as an option (even if not pursue it)

are characterised as more affectionate and responsive, and report a greater sense of wellbeing and contentment about themselves

fear stigmatisation, have a more negative reaction to stress, and remember teasing more

perceive themselves as less intellectually and physically competent than children from father-parent families.

Overall, though, the existing evidence indicates that the sexual orientation of parents does not appear to be a determinant of the success of a child's development. Nor does the presence of a father appear crucial for normal development. The available evidence, therefore, does not support the developmental assumptions mentioned [by Mr Humphries and other people in our community].

I have added that, because that is one of the things Mr Humphries raised. It goes on to say:

Strong as the existing evidence on lesbian parenting is, it is nonetheless based on certain types of study, which inevitably involve certain types of limitation. For example, subjects were generally English-speaking, middle-class and voluntary participants. Findings were also generally based on participants' own verbal reports, and were conducted in either the USA or UK. These factors may have influenced findings, but it is not clear that they would have done so extensively.

None of the evidence above serves to denigrate the contribution of good father parenting. It does indicate, though, that it is the good parenting rather than the father parenting that is relevant.

Developmental research consistently reports that it is the quality of family processes, rather than the nature of family structure (e.g. single, same-sex, or heterosexual couple parents) that is most important to the adjustment of the child.

The issue of what counts as appropriate development is also important. It is regrettably true that those with non-conventional gender or sexual orientations are likely to face adversity in their lives. But the assumption that those orientations in themselves should count as adverse or inappropriate developmental outcomes is entirely questionable.

In this matter, not only is some of the public debate open to criticism, but also some of the developmental literature.

That is the sort of discussion we need to be having.

The ACT Assembly installed a strong Discrimination Act which includes discrimination on the basis of sexuality and sex. I note, though, that even that act includes a definition of de facto spouse which excludes same-sex couples as members of near family. But our commitment to any discrimination is fairly clear.

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