« Ind. Law - Another Star editorial on redistricting bill; my thoughts | Main | Law - Obtaining a license to practice law in California is hard »

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Law - Drives to ban gay adoption heat up

A troubling story today in USA Today is headlined "Drives to ban gay adoption heat up: In 16 states, laws or ballot votes proposed." Some quotes:

Efforts to ban gays and lesbians from adopting children are emerging across the USA as a second front in the culture wars that began during the 2004 elections over same-sex marriage.

Steps to pass laws or secure November ballot initiatives are underway in at least 16 states, adoption, gay rights and conservative groups say. Some — such as Ohio, Georgia and Kentucky — approved constitutional amendments in 2004 banning gay marriage.

“Now that we've defined what marriage is, we need to take that further and say children deserve to be in that relationship,” says Greg Quinlan of Ohio's Pro-Family Network, a conservative Christian group.

Florida has banned all gays and lesbians from adopting since 1977, although they can be foster parents. State court challenges and a campaign by entertainer Rosie O'Donnell to overturn the law have failed. A pending bill would allow judges to grant exceptions.

Mississippi bans adoption by gay couples, but gay singles can adopt. Utah prohibits all unmarried couples from adoption.

For background, see this ILB entry from Feb. 10th ("More on: Morgan County lesbian couple fight to keep child") and this Feb. 14th post by Indianapolis attorney Gary R. Welsh in Advance Indiana ("Gay Parent Adoption Case Poses Challenge To Court Of Appeals").

Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 21, 2006 08:29 AM
Posted to General Law Related | Ind. App.Ct. Decisions