Abstract

Courts and legislatures in various parts of the world are examining the issues implicated in affording or refusing to afford legal recognition to gay and lesbian couples and their families. Sometimes, the focus is on the relationship between the adults, whereas at other times the focus is on the children whom they might be raising. As a general matter, the individuals themselves, their immediate families, and society as a whole are benefited when lesbian and gay relationships are legally recognized, although the particular benefits sometimes differ depending upon other aspects of domestic relations law prevailing in the jurisdiction.