Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Breaking News: Florida Adoption Ban Ruled Unconstitutional

"Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman Tuesday declared Florida's 50-year-old ban on gay adoptions unconstitutional -- a ruling state lawyers immediately said they would challenge.

The ruling sets the stage for Frank Gill, a gay man from North Miami, to adopt two foster children he has raised since 2004.

In a 53-page ruling, Judge Lederman said, ``It is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person's ability to parent.

Two lawyers from the Florida Attorney General's Office said they would file an appeal Tuesday.

''We respect the court's decision,'' said Assistant Attorney General Valerie Martin. ``Based upon the wishes of our client, the Department of Children & Families, we will file an appeal.''

Gill, who is raising the half-brothers, ages 4 and 8, said he was ''elated'' by the ruling and ``I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life." (Miami Herald)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, at least one piece of happiness amidst all the Prop 8 misery :)

Anonymous said...

anyone have a link to the opinion?

Anonymous said...

This really is great news! I have shared it in my reader as I do for so many of your wonderful posts. :)

Anonymous said...

Hooray! Of course, it isn't over yet, but this is good news.

Scot said...

What great news for many children!

Anonymous said...

YEAH!!! some good news on the equality front!

Laurie said...

YEAH!!!!!!!WOOHOO!!!!!I'm so freaking happy!!
It's just so wonderful!!!!! Those children are
so lucky!!!!

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

This post made me smile. I'm really happy for Frank and all the other gay men and women hoping to adopt a child.

Hopefully the legal challenges will fail... it's really sad that some people think that children are better having no home than living with gay parents.

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