When a heterosexual or same sex couple want to adopt the stability of their relationship is examined. Relationships between two women or two men function in a manner fundamentally different from heterosexual relationships, and specifically that lesbians and gay men are not committed to long-term relationships. Research focusing on the long-term relationships of same sex couples reveals that large numbers of lesbians and gay men live with long-term partners and that these relationships function in ways similar to those of heterosexual couples. Same sex couples suffer similar problems and breakdowns as those encountered by heterosexual couples; overall relationship satisfaction and quality are similar across all couple types. A same sex relationship is no more likely to end in a breakdown than a heterosexual relationship and both exhibit similar strengths and weaknesses. Same sex couples are comprised of individuals who are capable of expressing the same emotions as those in heterosexual couples. As the Chief Justice of the Family Court has asserted, gay men and lesbians possess and express the most human of qualities – love and commitment through relationships”. The fact that same sex couples cannot legally marry does not mean that these individuals are not as committed to the relationship and its success as their heterosexual counterparts who marry. (law.utas.edu.au) |