«THERE SHOULD BE COURSE IN FIRST GRADE ON LOVE»

"On average, same-sex couples and heterosexual couples are indistinguishable," said Peplau, a UCLA professor of social psychology called by attorneys for two same-sex couples who are trying to overturn Proposition 8, the 2008 voter initiative that reinstated a state ban on same-sex marriage. Peplau cited a survey of Californians in which 61% of lesbian respondents said they were living with a partner compared with 46% of gay men and 62% of heterosexuals.Homosexual couples tend to have shorter relationships than married couples, she said, but so do unmarried cohabiting heterosexuals. Under cross-examination, Peplau acknowledged that gay men value monogamy less than lesbians and heterosexuals of both genders.
Among heterosexuals and lesbians, "monogamy correlated for relationship satisfaction," Peplau said during the trial's third day. But "for gay men there is no association between sexual exclusivity and the satisfaction of their relationship."

Los Angeles Times
Jan 14 2009