Statistics show traditional family is no longer majority in the U.S.

A sociology professor said Tuesday the makeup of a traditional family is no longer the norm in the U.S. and pointed to statistics from the U.S. Census.

Professor Gina Swanson at Pikes Peak Community College said one in four families in the U.S. is a “traditional family” — defined by a mom, a dad and their biological children.

“The traditional nuclear family that many Americans think of going back to the 1950s and 1960s continues to ebb and in its place is a variety of family forms,” said Swanson.

Colorado started issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples on Tuesday. This follows the Supreme Court’s decision Monday not to hear a case involving the legality of same-sex marriage. The non-decision cleared the way for same-sex couples to marry in 11 states, including Colorado.

Dylan Watson’s family was thrilled by the news. His mothers married in California in May. Dylan has been raised by two moms almost his entire life.

“With Dylan, we didn’t really have to explain that because Moriah has been in his life since he was two so he kind of grew up with it, he felt it was normal,” said Kimberly Watson-Rubino.

It doesn’s bother Dylan in the least.

“I really don’t care if they are a mom or a dad or anything like that. All that matters is they are my family members and that they love me,” said Dylan.

Swanson predicts the definition of family will continue to change.

“I think the family of today will probably not be viewed as diverse as even the family is in 20 or 30 years so I think we are going to see an increase in the level of family forms and notions and definitions of what is a family in years to come,” said Swanson.

Focus on the Family’s judicial analyst, Bruce Hausknecht, said children should be raised in a traditional family.

“Our mission at Focus on the Family never changes. We are going to address the importance of one man, one woman marriage to family, to society, on behalf of children who have a right to a mom and a dad,” said Hausknecht.

The organization strongly opposes the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.

“We have always been about the mission of families and the culture changes around you, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad,” said Hausknecht.

The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office issued two marriage licenses to same-sex couples Tuesday.