A federal court of appeals yesterday upheld a lower court’s rejection of a lawsuit brought by the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights against San Francisco. The lawsuit was brought after the Board passed a non-binding resolution in 2006 resolution that, to put it mildly, had some harsh language about a Catholic leader’s directive on same-sex adoptions. Although the suit itself was noteworthy (you can read more about it here), people might wonder just what the laws are on same-sex adoption in the first place. The following provides a quick primer on the subject, as well as some resources.
Individuals, including those who are gay, lesbian or bisexual, are allowed to petition to adopt children individually in every state except Florida. However, if it is an unmarried partner that wants to adopt their partner’s child, this is called a second parent adoption and such petitions may be allowed in about half of all states. Stepparent adoptions, where a married spouse adopts their partner’s child are also permitted by some states’ domestic partnership laws.
The reality for many same-sex couples, however, is that joint and/or stepparent adoption isn’t a possibility, particularly depending on the type of adoption at issue. A few states flat-out bar same-sex partners from adopting. The links offer more helpful resources on the issue.
- Adoption and Parenting When You’re Lesbian or Gay (FindLaw)
- Overview of State Adoption Laws (LambdaLegal.org)
- New Hampshire Same-Sex Marriage Law (FindLaw)
- Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption (provided by Law Office of Mark E. Wewers, P.C.)
- Same-Sex Parenting and Adoption (FindLaw)
- Marriage (provided by Law Office of Marilyn Bierer)
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