Many opponents of same-sex marriage say that marriage is for the purpose of raising children and that two parents of the same sex are not adequately equipped to raise children. First of all, there is no basis in fact for this opinion. Children do well in homes where they are nutured and loved, regardless of the parents' genders.

Secondly, many heterosexual couples choose not to or are unable to have children. Yet, their marriages are considered valid.

Most states allow single gays and lesbians to adopt children, but only 11 allow two same-sex parents to adopt. By allowing gay couples marriage rights, custody will be shared by both parents and no further legal action will be necessary in the event of the legal parent’s death. The American Association of Pediatrics supports gay and lesbian couples adopting and having children.

Many activists say that the laws prohibiting gay marriage are the same as laws that prevented inter-racial couples from marrying. Those laws are now seen as absurd and discriminatory and were overturned in 1967.