Bill Would Allow Florida Gay Adoptions

Bill Would Allow Florida Gay Adoptions
by The Associated Press

Posted: February 18, 2005 2:02 pm. ET


(Tallahassee, Florida) A state lawmaker has filed legislation that would allow gay people to adopt children under certain circumstances. Senator Nan Rich wants to amend Florida's 1977 law that bans gay people from adopting.

Under the plan, judges could grant such adoptions if they conclude a permanent placement with gay foster parents is more important to a child's development than maintaining a temporary placement.

Senator Rich says the plan is in the best interests of children who have long-standing relationships with their gay foster parents and consider them to be their parents.

She says the bill has been drafted with a very narrow focus to apply only to children who have bonded with their gay parents and want to stay in the home on a permanent basis.

Rich says it's not a repeal of the ban. She says her idea focuses on existing relationships. In her words, her bill applies to "long-standing relationships and tries to protect those children so that they can remain in a permanent placement where they have shared a loving, stable home."

Last month the US Supreme Court refused to hear a case challenging Florida's gay adoption ban. (story)

Florida is the only state with an all out ban on gays and lesbians adopting children.

The high court did not offer a reason for rejecting the case. The justices seldom offer an explanation when an appeal is turned down.

Last year the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit declined to hear a challenge to the Florida law, allowing to stand a ruing by a three-judge panel of the Court that upheld the ban. (story) .

©Associated Press 2005