Michigan bill may let same-sex couples adopt kids

[Doondoo]

A Democratic state lawmaker introduced legislation Monday that would allow same-sex couples and other unmarried adults to jointly adopt children in Michigan.

State law has left children, including foster children, with just one legal parent, said Rep. Paul Condino of Southfield. He said the other parent can't make medical decisions and other choices for the child, causing serious problems if something happens to the legal parent.

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The legislation could affect not only gay and lesbian couples, but also unmarried adults such as siblings and grandparents. State law has been interpreted to allow only married couples to adopt jointly.

Backers complained that an adoptive parent with a terminal illness has to end his or her parental rights so another adult can adopt the child. They also said some adopted children have been sent back to foster care while legal complications are resolved.

"That child is left without protection," said Maxine Thome, executive director of the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. "Critical factors in a child's emotional and physical well-being are stability, love, safety and respect."

Those factors are best assured when adoption is based on two adults' parenting abilities, not their marital status, Thome said.

"Same-sex parents who have made choices to have children are some of the most loving, committed, dedicated parents," she said.



http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/NEWS04/702130332/1005/news04

[no_hypocrisy]

1. It's a shame that there needs to be a positive law enacted when

it should be a fundamental civil right, a constitutional right to adopt a child no matter what your gender identity is.