Federal Judge Upholds Adoption Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians

A federal judge upheld a Florida law banning adoption by gays and lesbians. U.S. District Judge King ruled that the state was justified in limiting adoption to married, heterosexual couples because it is “in the best interest of children.” This decision flies in the face of a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association concluding that gay and lesbian couples make as good of parents as heterosexual couples. The American Civil Liberties Union, which was responsible for bringing the case to court on behalf of the gay couple, plans to file a motion for reconsideration with the judge. In the meantime, 3,400 children are currently waiting to be adopted in Florida.

To get involved in LGBT rights activism, visit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force or the Human Rights Campaign online.

Media Resources: Reuters, 8/30/01; Washington Post and ACLU 8/31/01

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