Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman today declared Florida’s 30-year-old ban on adoption by gay men and lesbians unconstitutional, saying, “It is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person’s ability to parent.”
‘Bout time they realized that.
State lawyers have already said they will challenge the decision. At the moment, however, it clears the way for Frank Gill, a gay man from North Miami, to adopt two foster children he has raised since 2004.
(Thanks to the Family Equality Council for the great news.)
The ban dates from June 8, 1997, the day after the voters of Dade County, Florida repealed the county’s gay rights ordinance (thanks to Anita Bryant). So it’s 30+ years old, not 50. For what it’s worth, I think this is the case that will finally end the ban. The trial record includes testimony from highly respected experts. The state’s experts were completely discredited. The judge ruled that they offered no “reasonable, credible evidence to substantiate their beliefs or to justify the legislation.” Thank you to the tireless lawyers at the ACLU LGBT Project for all their work on behalf of LGBT parents and our children.
Oh, thanks Nancy. My typo on the year. I’ve corrected.
Couldn’t have happened on a happier day– today my partner & I finalized the adoption of our 4th kidlet (in central NY)!
Congratulations! Great news!
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