In connection with the DOMA and Proposition 8 cases, Family Equality Council and our coalition partners have filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court that reflects the voices of children.
Our purpose in filing this amicus brief is to amplify the words of children with LGBT parents, because these children are in a unique position to speak to two questions: 1) how marriage equality will benefit their families, and 2) how their parents’ exclusion from federal recognition causes very real harm.
While considering the DOMA and Proposition 8 cases later this month, the Supreme Court justices must consider the truths that these young Americans have to articulate. The first, most important one is that our families are real, and we are thriving. As the Children’s Voices brief puts it, “Families with same-sex parents are as ‘traditional’ as any other, sharing the joys, values, and concerns that countless parents experience.”
My family and I experience those same fundamental truths every day. My partner Todd and I have two daughters, ages 7 and 8. We juggle schedules filled with ballet classes, violin lessons, Girl Scout meetings, and soccer practice. While we want them to enjoy their activities, we try to leave time to share the small but important things together, like hugs and help with homework, bedtime, and books. Like other LGBT parents, we want our children to have the same opportunities and benefits in life as all children and not feel the sting of discrimination because of their family structure
Read more via the Huffington Post.