Some critics believe that the stigma in our society toward acceptance of homosexuals is a conflict of issues. This form of relationship can affect the well-being of a child's education. The prospect of non-traditional upbringing in a same-sex partnership or marriage should be an issue when raising children. Some believe that this form of parenting has no real negative influence on a child. The policy has raised concerns, but there is limited research in this area to support these concerns. Should same-sex marriage be an issue when raising children? Some states like Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut have legalized the sacred union between two people; other states offer civil unions, and several offer partner benefits programs. Whether one is on the right or left side, one must still consider how this union might affect children entrusted to the care of what most consider socially or morally inappropriate. This is a natural concern for people who might not understand or accept same-sex couples (Wheeler771). The consensus issue concerns the well-being of children raised by adults who choose to share same-sex relationships, or what census researchers call a "same-sex parental household." . With all the controversy surrounding whether a same-sex couple is acceptable in our society, one has to wonder how this will affect a child. Some critics have suggested that children are doomed to a life of struggle compared to those raised in a traditional father and mother setting (Carpenter). “It is well established that children do not need parents of each gender to adjust healthily” (Same Sex). Jessica Larson was raised by a parent who lived a gay life...... middle of paper... ...count. Works Cited American Psychological Association. Lesbian and gay parenting. Washington: APA. Internet. March 3, 2011. .Carpenter, Mackenzie. “What happens to children raised by gay parents?” » Post-Gazette.com. June 9, 2007. the web. March 2, 2011. “Jessica Larson.” Personal interview. March 3, 2011. “Jose Rivera.” Personal interview. March 4, 2011. “Same-sex couples can be effective parents, researchers say.” » The United States today. January 21, 2010. The web. February 3, 2011. .Wheeler, SM “Same-sex marriage in the Americas: policy innovation for same-sex relationships.” Selection: Current University Library Reviews 48.4 (2010): 770-771. Library, Science, and Information Technology Abstracts. EBSCO. Internet. March 2. 2011.