A Two-Fer of Good News from California
Despite that whole Prop 8 thing, California continues to be a leader in legal protections for LGBT families.
Politics and Law
Russia Stops Swedish Same-Sex Couples from Adopting Children
Russian authorities have halted adoptions of Russian children by Swedish same-sex couples, reports Swedish newspaper The Local. A spokeperson for the Adoptioncentrum agency told Sveriges Television (SVT) “It’s terrible. We have 13 children in Russian orphanages today who have been offered to parents in Sweden who they have actually met.”
Milestones in LGBT Parenting History
I originally wrote this for my Mombian newspaper column last year, but as it’s LGBT History Month once again, I thought I’d rerun it—a look at some of the historical milestones—of laws, visibility, and community—related to LGBT parents.
Moms Motivate Marriage Moves
Last week saw more moves towards marriage equality, and once again, lesbian moms were in the forefront.
Tell Michigan Lawmakers Not to Deny Homes to Foster Children
Michigan legislators on the state House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors have passed three bills that would give taxpayer-funded adoption agencies the right to deny an adoption placement based on that agency’s moral or religious beliefs. This is an anti-LGBT bill, no doubt about it — but it is the children needing homes who will suffer the most. . Here’s what you can do to help stop these bills from going any further.
Russian Bill Would Take Children from LGBT Parents
It’s happened. A Russian lawmaker introduced a bill in the lower house of the Duma that would deny LGBT parents the right to be parents. It adds sexual orientation to alcoholism, drug use, and abuse as reasons for taking away custody of children. The bill cites a widely discredited study of LGBT parents by University of Texas sociology professor Mark Regnerus as support for its position.
Effects of DOMA Ruling for Same-Sex Parents in All States
Several announcements last week made it clear that same-sex couples who are legally married will be recognized as married by the U.S. government — even if they do not reside in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages. That’s generally good news for same-sex parents — although there are still a few things to keep in mind.
“Moms Get Real About Race in America”: Read the Posts!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington this week, MomsRising.org has published a blog carnival, “Moms Get Real About Race in America.”
Lesbian Mom and Gay Dad Speak at March on Washington 50th Anniversary
Yesterday’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington included many amazing speeches, including President Obama’s — but for the purpose of this blog, I want to highlight two speeches by LGBT parents: Eliza Byard and Alan Van Capelle.
Learn More About Two of the Gay Dads Challenging Nebraska Foster Parent Ban
Three same-sex couples yesterday challenged Nebraska’s ban on gay men and lesbians becoming foster parents. One of the couples — and the five children they adopted out of foster care in California, where they previously lived — were the subject of a documentary a few years ago. Read my interview with the filmmaker and see a trailer after the jump, and learn more about the dads who are clearly continuing to do good for their family and others.