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Compiled By GayToday
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-- During the 91st annual meeting of The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) held recently here, APsaA members announced their support of the position that the primary consideration in decisions about parenting, including conception, child rearing, adoption, visitation and custody is the best interest of the child.
"It is disturbing to hear about cases in which gay or lesbian parents are being denied custody or the right to adopt solely on the basis of their sexual orientation -- that's discrimination. The American Psychoanalytic Association deplores such discrimination and is especially troubled when psychological findings are distorted, misrepresented or blatantly ignored, as is so often the case in these legal decisions," remarked APsaA President Newell Fisher, M.D.
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Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Camapign, appears on the cover of Gay Parent magazine. The issue of gay parental rights has hit a fever pitch in recent months |
Accumulated evidence suggests the best interest of the child requires attachment to committed, nurturing and competent parents. Evaluation of an individual or couple for these parental qualities should be determined without prejudice regarding sexual orientation. APsaA believes that gay and lesbian individuals and couples are capable of meeting the best interest of the child and should be afforded the same rights and should accept the same responsibilities as heterosexual parents.
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