Lesbian and gay adoption may slowly become a reality in Florida. Proposed legislation would allow it under circumstances.
A proposed bill – SB 200 – states a homosexual man or woman is eligible to adopt a child under certain circumstances.
According to Bay News 9, the scenarios include – but they’re not limited to – if the child has resided with the person, the child’s parents are deceased, and the person proposing to adopt the child is the guardian.
The Florida Senate Committee on Children, Family and Elder affairs met recently to discuss the proposal. This committee could ultimately help push the bill through the political process.
Unfortunately, State Senator Ronda Storms was appointed chairperson of the committee. Ronda is a member of First Baptist Church Brandon – where her husband serves as a deacon. The couple also serve in Sunday School leadership to young married couples. She’s endorsed by the Hillsborough County Right to Life which provides pro-life education and legislation.
Cathy James, who supports allowing gays to adopt is unhappy with Storms being part of the committee.
“It’s not the best appointment that we could have wished for,” James said.
Still, James said the bill is a start in the process of overturning the bill that dates back 30 years.
In other news for LGBT parents in Florida – Broward County’s foster care agency, ChildNet, has contracted with the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) to recruit and train foster parents to take in gay and lesbian foster children.
I am so happy for you guys,, thats wonderful,, me and my partner have been trying for a yr not as long as yu guys but still long enough,,,wish u lots of luck and happiness….
My partner had our child and I was the first to hold her when she arrived in this world. I am waiting patiently (not) to be able to adopt her like other States allow 2nd parent adoption.
Do you have wills/trusts and legal guardianship papers signed? What happens if your partner passes?
My partner and I have been together 10 years, she has not had the chance to experence the wonderful feeling of motherhood, but I have I have raised a daughter and she is 33 a college graduate, married and very happy.
I would love to have the chance to give a child a chance for a loving and careing home. WE can make a difference in a childs life and a chance to make it in this world as a well rounded adult.