The Chief Executive of children's charity Barnardo's, Anne Marie Carrie, has written an article for the Huffington post, in which she challenges the argument that heterosexual married couples always make the best parents. We have included the link to the full article at the bottom of the page, but the salient points are outlined below. We think it's great that Barnardo's stands up for the great work done by LGBT parents, and would strongly recommend getting in touch with them if it is something that you feel you would like to get involved with.

Some nonsensical individuals are using the gay marriage debate to argue that marriage is an especially heterosexual privilege (because of all the having babies that straight people do when they're married...sometimes.) How refreshing to hear someone like Ms Carrie enter the debate, who has thirty years experience with children's welfare, rather than celibate bishops.

‘I have become increasingly incensed by those who hold the opinion that a marriage between a man and woman automatically makes for the optimal situation in which to bring up children and parent.’

‘Raising children is about providing emotional security and developing a positive approach to parenting by being a good role model, encouraging good communication, and challenging bad behaviour. These are qualities that can be found in couples, whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight as well as in individuals whatever their sexual orientation.’

‘My support of an equalisation comes from a deeply held belief that this proposal removes yet another distinction between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families and straight families. Anything that helps reduce stigma and make families and the children in them feel more accepted can only be a good thing.’

Read the full article by clicking here.