From Beyond Straight and Gay Marriage —
This is a big win. Yes, it’s only a trial court judge. Yes, it will be appealed. But this is the case that I suspect will finally end Florida’s ban on adoption by gay men and lesbians, once and for all. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman has declared the ban unconstitutional. Read more.
The ACLU has placed the entire 1300+ page trial transcript on line.
–Nancy Polikoff
Wonderful news. I didn’t realize the ban was 50 years old. I always thought the ban came from the 1970s Anita Bryant era, but I see now from a quick Wikipedia search that I’m confusing my Florida homophobia history. Bryant crusaded against a local anti-discrimination ordinance, not in favor of the state-wide adoption ban (although she clearly would have supported it).
The ban was signed the day after the repeal of the gay rights ordinance n Dade County thanks to the Anita Bryant campaign. I’m not sure where you get the 50 year figure, but it’s wrong.
Whoops! I just misread the opening paragraph, which is quite clear: “A Miami-Dade circuit judge Tuesday declared Florida’s 30-year-old ban on gay adoption unconstitutional, allowing a North Miami man to adopt two foster kids he has raised since 2004.” Ignore my previous comment then!