Same-sex Parenthood - Global Times

[Randy W]

Not a common topic in the Communist Party rags. Three different cases are covered, one couple are both U.S. citizens.

 

The story is credited to, "By Xie Wenting Source:Global Times"

 

Gay couples in China set sights overseas to realize dreams of raising children

 

"Unlike most foreign gay couples I know who prefer adoption, Chinese gay couples want their 'own children' because of cultural traditions that emphasize the value of carrying the family lineage," said Yang, a teacher at a special-education school in Maryland, US.

But for Chinese gay couples who prefer adoption, laws at home pose a major hurdle.

A 2005 statement released by the China Center of Adoption Affairs, a government-backed adoption organization, declared that the center "doesn't seek homosexuals as adoption candidates."

In addition to concealing their sexuality, gay men or women hoping to adopt a child in China must register as single because same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized under Chinese law. A single man adopting a girl in China must be at least 40 years older than her, which A Qiang describes as "ridiculous."

 

. . .

 

But not everyone is convinced Chinese children are ready to be raised by gay parents. Chu Zhaohui, a research fellow at the National Institute of Education Sciences, said children raised by gay parents would face intense pressure under China's current social climate. He also warned such a family structure could have a "negative influence" on their character.

"In families with heterosexual parents, there is a mother and father who represent the yin and yang. Having two fathers could present an overly masculine environment in which to raise a girl," said Chu, who conceded that no study had ever made such a finding.

A Qiang said that a big advantage for children raised by gay couples is that their parents have usually given serious consideration to their upbringing and are often financially secure.

"There is growing demand to have children from gay couples in China. We have set up QQ and WeChat groups for those who have children and want to offer their advice to prospective parents," he said, adding that his organization is planning campaigns to promote public debate on the issue.

A Qiang hopes that in the next decade Chinese laws will be more accommodating to gay couples seeking to have children through adoption and surrogacy.

"Changing social attitudes loom as an important first step before we change laws," said Chu.

 

Edited May 19, 2014 by Randy W (see edit history)