Letter - Skewed information on marriage

To the editor:

I read with interest the article (Split Debate, April 10, 2012) featuring Chuck Darrell. However, I wonder where he got his information. It sounded like it came out of somewhere in the dim, distant past.

There is a recent (2010) report of a longitudinal study by the American Academy of Pediatrics that shows there is no difference in the behavior and adjustment between children of lesbian or straight families. In fact, they were surprised to find that on some measures, children in lesbian families showed higher levels of psychological benefits and lower levels of behavioral problems such as rule breaking. They also showed higher scores in self-esteem and confidence.

I belong to a large UCC church in Minneapolis, which has been an open and affirming congregation for many years. There are many gay and lesbian families, and I would be hard pressed to see any differences between their children and others. These children are not short-changed as their parents have wide friendships and the children experience all kinds of people. Perhaps that’s why they are so well adjusted.

Many of us aren’t so good about seeing that our kids have that opportunity. One of these kids is my courtesy grandchild and you couldn’t find a sweeter, smarter, or more loving child. I would encourage 1490 AM Open Line to contact Minnesotans United for all Families and allow the West Central community to hear the positive message of love, family, and the freedom to marry. Their website is www.mnunited.org.

Change is often difficult, but it’s extremely important that as Minnesotans face this important decision in November, they’re basing their vote on up-to-date scientific and social information, as opposed to skewed information from the opposition.

Jan Johnson

Brandon and Golden Valley, MN

Tags: opinion, letters