The aim of this study was to explore Portuguese population attitude toward parenting by gay men and lesbians. Nine hundred ninety three participants, aged between 18 and 69 (M=34; SD=11), filled in a questionnaire that included a vignette depicting a heterosexual couple, a lesbian couple or a gay couple wishing to adopt. Participants were asked to rate the couple as prospective parents, and if they anticipated emotional or social problems for the children. Although most participants held a positive attitude toward gay and lesbian parents, the results revealed a more favorable attitude toward heterosexual couples. Participants anticipated more emotional and social problems in children adopted by a lesbian couple, and even more so by a gay couple.
Homoparenting; adoption; same-sex couples; attitudes
