State Court Rulings Show Divergent Definitions of Parenthood for Same-Sex Couples
Two recent state supreme court rulings, in Alaska and Idaho, underline the wildly different requirements same-sex parents may face to prove their parenthood.
Protecting
Two Moms Sue Nebraska for Full, Equal Parentage Rights Over Their Children
Two women ex-partners are cooperatively suing the state of Nebraska for full, equal parentage rights over the children they had together. The case could mean the further expansion of voluntary acknowledgments of parentage—simple, free forms to establish legal parentage—to parents of all genders.
Parentage Law in Massachusetts Is Outdated, but Bill Could Change That
Massachusetts, which led the nation in marriage equality, has fallen behind in protecting the children of LGBTQ parents. It is now the only New England state that has not comprehensively reformed its parentage laws to protect children regardless of the circumstances of their birth or the gender or marital status of their parents. The Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA), a bill now in the Legislature, could change that.
Maine Becomes 10th State to Allow LGBTQ Parents to Establish Legal Parentage with Simple Form
Maine has become the 10th state to allow LGBTQ couples, regardless of gender or genetic connection to their children, to establish legal parentage with an easy, free form that can be completed at the hospital right after a child’s birth. This form, unlike a birth certificate, is equivalent to a court decree.
“Everyone Was In to Do the Right and Just Thing for LGBTQ+ Families” in New Connecticut Parentage Law
Yesterday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed the Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA), which better protects all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth or the marital status, gender, or sexual orientation of their parents, and gives nonbiological/nongestational parents a simpler, faster way to establish legal parentage.
Connecticut Senate Unanimously Approves Bill Updating Parentage Laws to Protect Children of All Families
The Connecticut Senate last night unanimously passed the Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA), landmark legislation to update the state’s laws and better protect all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth or the marital status, gender, or sexual orientation of their parents. Among other things, it gives nonbiological/nongestational parents a simpler way to establish a legal parent-child relationship, without a home study or court hearing. The bill passed the House last month and now goes to Governor Ned Lamont (D) for signing.
Connecticut House Passes Bill to Update State’s Parentage Laws with Strong Bipartisan Support
The Connecticut House of Representatives today passed the Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA) 141-1, with many Republicans joining Democratic colleagues to speak out in strong support of the bill. The landmark legislation would update the state’s laws to better protect all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth or the marital status, gender, or sexual orientation of their parents.
Michigan Appeals Court Recognizes Parental Rights of Same-Sex Parents–and Points the Way Forward
Last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals recognized that both women in an unmarried same-sex couple, one the genetic mother and one the gestational mother, have parental rights. This is a clear victory—but the ruling also indicates what is still needed for even fuller protection of all families, no matter who’s in them or how they are formed.
Queer Parents and Advocates Testify to Update Connecticut Parentage Laws
Connecticut remains the only New England state that leaves children born to non-biological, non-marital parents wholly unprotected in its parentage laws. Queer parents, legal and medical experts, advocates, and others testified today in support of a bill that would change that.
New York’s New Law on Gestational Surrogacy and Legal Recognition for Nonbiological Parents Goes Into Effect
A new law is now in effect in the state of New York that not only legalizes gestational surrogacy but also simplifies and strengthens the legal recognition of nonbiological parents and single parents in families formed through assisted reproduction. Easy forms? No home study? Yes, please!