Suchergebnisse

Globally, little progress has been made toward the legalization of same-gender adoption. Of the nearly 200 United Nations members, only 15 countries with populations of 3 million or more have approved LGBT adoption without restrictions. The objectives of this paper are, first, to provide a brief background of the obstacles confronting same-gender adoption including the role of adoption agencies and parenting issues; second, to discuss the current legal status of the 15 countries which have approved same-gender adoption without restrictions; third, to report on recent public opinion regarding the legalization of same-gender adoption and parenting, drawing from previously published surveys conducted in 16 countries; and, fourth, to explore the implications for social work practice including social advocacy and social policy implementation.

The very public death of Terri Schiavo in 2005 alerted Americans to what is a growing ethical, medical, and social crisis: the status of end-of-life issues and decisions in the United States. Currently, Oregon is the only state to give terminally ill patients the right to end their lives, with physicians' help, if they so choose. Public opinion data from 1977 to the present show that Americans support greater rights for individuals facing end-of-life decisions--up to and including physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. This paper considers the status of end-of-life issues in the United States after Terri Schiavo's death and examines the opportunities for advocacy by social workers who serve clients and families encountering this complex and controversial issue.

Notably, in 2013, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota became the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th states, respectively, to legalize same-gender marriage. Without legal recognition or social support from the larger society, the majority of same-gender partnerships in the U.S. are denied privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. This manuscript draws from a national cross section of published survey data from 1996 to 2013 reporting Americans' attitudes regarding same-gender marriage and civil unions. Social work practitioners have broad opportunity to apply their skills to the critical needs facing same-gender partners. After an overview of the legal status of same-gender marriages and their accompanying social and policy issues, recommendations are provided that include identification of specific needs for premarital counseling of same-gender partners and ensuring sensitivity to the myriad challenges they face.

Californians voted in November 2008 to ban the right to same-gender marriage in California. This paper summarizes data on changes in societal attitudes relative to homosexuals, same-gender couples, and their civil rights as reflected in Gallup and Princeton Survey Research Associates International poll data over the years through 2011. These findings report deeply entrenched and enduring divisions in American attitudes toward the rights and status of same-gender couples. Although historically a majority of Americans has consistently opposed same-gender marriage, Americans increasingly recognize the need to extend equality to same-gender couples in the form of employment rights, inheritance rights, Social Security, and health insurance benefits. This article explores existing and proposed policies regarding the rights of same-gender couples. In addition, it examines the implications and opportunities for advocacy by social workers who face the challenge of navigating the legal and personal obstacles that arise when their client's same-gender relationships are not sanctioned by law.

English This article examines trends in American public opinion on capital punishment between 1953 and 2002. It seems that Americans believe that the government spends too little on crime deterrence, that courts are not harsh enough with criminals, and that the death penalty is appropriate for murderers. Implications for social workers are suggested. French Cet article examine les tendances de l'opinion publique américaine concernant la peine capitale entre 1953 et 2002. Il semble que les américains croient que le gouvernement dépense trop peu sur des stratégies de prévention ou de dissuasion du crime, que les tribunaux manquent de sévérité face aux criminels et que la peine de mort est appropriée pour les meurtriers. Des implications pour les travailleurs sociaux sont énoncées. Spanish Este artículo examina la tendencia in la opinión pública americana con respecto a la pena capital durante 1953-2002. Parece que los americanos creen: el gobierno gasta muy poco en combatir el crimen, las cortes no son lo suficientemente duras con los criminales, y la pena de muerte es apropiada para los asesinos. Las implicaciones para los trabajadores sociales son sugeridas.