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09/10/2008
Judge recognizes FL adoption (f)law for what it is
Before we get too excited about the following, we have to point out that this is just an order from one trial judge that is highly unlikely to lead to an immediate change in state policy. But that being said, it is with great joy that we can tell you: A Circuit Court judge in Key West, David J. Audlin Jr., has determined Florida's 31-year-old, sweeping gay adoption ban to be unconstitutional. And this ruling, even if not precedent-setting for all queer people, will allow one gay-headed family to stay intact.
This from The Miami Herald:
A Monroe Circuit Court judge has ruled Florida's 31-year-old gay adoption ban ''unconstitutional'' in an order that allows an openly gay Key West foster parent to adopt a teenage boy he has raised since 2001.
Declaring the adoption to be in the boy's ''best interest,'' Circuit Judge David J. Audlin Jr. said the Florida law forbidding gay people from adopting children is contrary to the state Constitution because it singles out a group for punishment.
Florida is one of only two states -- the other is Mississippi -- that forbids gay people from adopting.
Circuit judges in Florida have found the statute unconstitutional twice before, both in 1991, but both challenges stalled. A Miami case expected to be heard next month may provide an additional challenge to the law.
Monroe Circuit Court rules against Florida's ban on gay adoptions [Miami Herald]
But while this is only a minor chipping away, it is still a step in the right direction. A step towards ridding Florida of the nasty ban that was birthed from the loins of one Ms. Anita Bryant all those years ago. A step toward connecting the dots of bias for the Florida public. A step towards putting all of this antiquated nastiness behind us, so that we can rise up and realize our full potential and strength.
Bravo, Judge Audlin. Wear the social conservatives' "activist" branding with great pride!
Your thoughts
Congrats to this boy and his new family.
Posted by: Christian | Sep 10, 2008 3:17:04 PM
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