Psychologist offended
by state's view

The professor disagrees that
biological parenthood is a must

By Linda Hosek
Star-Bulletin

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"I find that offensive to suggest that there is only one way of being a parent," said David Brodzinsky, also a clinical psychologist and expert on adoption. "That excludes all non-biological parents."

Brodzinsky is the third witness to testify in the nonjury same-sex trial before Circuit Court Judge Kevin Chang on behalf of the three couples who sued the state for the legal right to marry.

He said he has testified in high-profile adoption cases, including those involving "Baby M," a surrogate mother case; Woody Allan and Mia Farrow over custody; and Baby Jessica, a contested adoption case.

Deputy Attorney General Rick Eichor objected to the characterization of the state's position, saying: "This is not a contest about who can create a better parent."

The state has argued that children are best raised by their biological parents or a married mother and father.

But Chang overruled Eichor, allowing Brodzinsky to emphasize that the best condition for children depends on a loving, nurturing parent, not on the number, gender or sexual orientation of the parents.

Brodzinsky also said that all children have to deal with "issues," and that couples should not be excluded from the adoption process because they may create additional "issues" for children.

"The fact of growing up in a family with gay or lesbian parents is going to be an issue and most deal with it quite well," he said, adding that the state should give such families more support.

In previous testimony, a University of Virginia research psychologist said the ability to raise healthy children didn't depend on sexual orientation, gender, biology or number of parents. Charlotte Patterson, who in August received a Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychological Association for her pioneering work on the children of same-sex parents, said the key is the quality of parenting.

Patterson was the only one of eight witnesses testifying in the nonjury trial to specifically study the children of same-sex parents.

Patterson said the studies show that, outside of food, shelter and safety, children need a loving but firm parent for optimal development. She also said a parent's sexual orientation doesn't determine a child's orientation, adding that most children of same-sex parents grow up to be heterosexual.

Eichor said Patterson had an agenda to promote same-sex marriage and that her studies reflected her bias.

He last week criticized the same-sex marriage attorneys for getting two state witnesses to say they believed homosexuality was morally wrong, calling the tactic a "low blow."

During cross-examination, Patterson confirmed that she was a member of several gay and lesbian organizations, including one associated with the university's faculty.

"I didn't ask her if she was a lesbian," Eichor said. "But I'm entitled to demonstrate that she's coming in with an agenda."

Patterson said out of court that all researchers have biases, but that numerous controls exist, from methodology to peer review.

Dan Foley, co-counsel for the three couples who sued the state to marry, said several professional associations, including the American Psychological Association, have adopted her findings on the children of same-sex parents in official position papers.