Journal of Legal Research

Journal of Legal Research

An Analysis of Child Custody by Homosexual Individuals in Light of the Best Interests of the Child

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD in Public International Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
In many contemporary legal systems, "homosexuality" is formally recognized and carries legal effects. One of these legal effects is the feasibility of marriage between two homosexuals, which itself entails significant legal controversies. A consequences of marriage is having children, and since it is biologically impossible for a homosexual couple to have a child, the issue of awarding custody to homosexuals has garnered attention. From a human rights perspective, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, securing the child's best interests is the paramount guiding principle in decision-making concerning children. This article aims, by employing a descriptive-analytical method, to analyze the issue of awarding custody to homosexuals in light of the standard of the best interests of the child. Findings indicate that, given the non-standard status of homosexuals and the child's need for upbringing and education by parents of two different sexes, the best interests of the child are not secured under the guardianship of homosexual individuals and families; and according to the human rights standards of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, awarding custody to such individuals should not be permitted.
Keywords

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