advancement of gay and lesbian adoptions
... The purpose of this paper is to explain some of these laws and how they have helped or hindered the advancement of gay and lesbian adoptions. ... The rewrite now making it clear, that a lesbian or gay partner can legally adopt the other partner’s child. For example, if a woman gives birth to a son, then the boy can be legally adopted by his mothers lesbian partner. Here in Michigan second parents adoptions have been approved and some lower courts for any parent and their partner. Michigan is described as a tolerant atmosphere for gay and lesbian parents. In Queens, New York, 1995 it was ruled, specifically for gay individuals, that joint adoption is by two unmarried persons are now allowed. ... Yet in recent years lower courts have approved at least three adoptions. ... In many states the adoption process for gay or lesbian couples is grueling to say least. Take Alabama for instance, many cases reveal that the law is hostile to gay parents. ... One might say that Missouri, while still unfriendly, is becoming relatively more acceptant of gay and lesbian parents. They still did not allow adoption between gay or lesbian couples, but the state Supreme Court will not rule against a parents custody rights, strictly because they are in a gay or lesbian relationship. ... There have been many appeals to the 1999 New Hampshire adoption act that bans all gay and lesbian adoptions.