Lesbian & gay adoptions in Florida
In September a state appeals court threw out Florida's ban on gay adoptions.Since the court ruling, lesbians and gay men have begun forming legally recognized families across the state.
Florida gay adoptions
There are no statewide statistics for lesbian and gay adoption because officials do not ask the sexual orientation of adoptive parents.
Jeff Rainey, chief executive officer of Hillsborough Kids, which handles local adoptions for the Florida Department of Children & Families, said, "We always need adoptive families. All these kids deserve a loving home to grow up in."
Law change welcomed by judges
Hillsborough circuit judges Emily Peacock and Catherine Catlin each has presided over one gay adoption in the past few months, and Catlin said she's aware of at least two others in the county.
Both judges said they were thrilled to see children going to loving homes, adding that the change in the law has been quietly welcomed in the legal community.
The state, which had argued that children have better role models and face less discrimination in two-parent heterosexual households, chose not to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.
Catlin said the court wrote "such a well-reasoned decision" that she doesn't expect it to be overturned anytime soon.
Fear of backlash
Still, some fear the change will be short-lived. They worry another court challenge, a new state law or a change in the state's Constitution will reinstate the ban.
Brian Winfield, a spokesman for Equality Florida, said the gay rights organization is preparing to mobilize if necessary.
Some lawyers remain guarded. Tampa attorney Kim Byrd, who specializes in gay, lesbian and transgender issues, was reluctant to discuss adoption because his clients fear a possible backlash in the state. "There's a lot of concern about the doors being closed on gay adoptions," he said. "They're concerned about press, in general, bringing attention to stories of gay people adopting."
Tampa lawyer Jeanne Tate, who owns an adoption agency, said her phones have been "ringing off the hook" with dozens of gay people looking to adopt, many of them are afraid that the current law change is temporary.
St. Petersburg lawyer Maria Bates, who also owns an adoption agency, said the change is happening slowly. "The ban was in place for over 30 years," she said. "People are nervous to take the next step."
Read more at: tbo.com