Lawmakers re-introduce family law bill supporting gay adoptions

The changing opinion on same-sex marriage is gaining momentum. Despite the lack of federal laws that govern it, fervent debates are ongoing with some states finally agreeing to provide for equality and recognition of homosexual partnerships.

In Orange County, California, Proposition 8 remains an obstacle until perhaps both the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress agree on something that can sway state legislators to adopt a new family law that will allow same-sex unions. Until then, it appears that Congress is trying its best to introduce other laws that support the cause.

A re-introduced bill that clearly defines adoption in the United States is making its way through both Houses with the hope of eliminating existing biases against same-sex couples. The Every Child Deserves a Family Act is aiming to prohibit any adoption services in the country from discriminating against any potential adoptive parents on the basis of their sexual orientation, religion, race or marital status.

According to a recent study by the Family Equality Council, 39 states continue to have obstacles blocking gay couples from adopting. Currently, about 400,000 children are in the nation’s foster care system. The bi-partisan bill is being considered by its sponsors as the solution to the adoption problems faced by the U.S. while, at the same time, removing certain existing barriers that exclude and prevent gay people from becoming foster parents. The bill, once passed, holds the key to removing what some see as discriminatory factors in the system.

Of course, this issue represents only one of many complicated issues in family law. For those interested in adoption, acting as foster parents or curious about their rights in the ever-changing legal landscape, working with a family law attorney can help interested people better understand the system and their options.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Gay Adoption Bill Set To Be Reintroduced With Bipartisan Support,” Amanda Terkel, May 6, 2013