The adoption discussion in Florida continues

State Senator Nan Rich has introduced a new bill that would allow judges to consider the child’s best interest when placing them in permanent homes. Representative Mary Brandenburg is sponsoring the bill in the House.

Supporters of the bill gathered in the Capitol Wednesday as part of Fair Adoption Lobby Day.

More than 3,000 children are in Florida’s foster care system – awaiting permanent homes. The Florida Office of Analysis and Accountability says children left in foster care grow up more dependent upon public assistance.

With new legislation, lesbian and gay foster parents would be allowed to adopt children if a judge rules it’s in the child’s best interest.

According to CBS4.com, Rich’s proposal has received support from a number of groups including the National Council of Jewish Women, ACLU and Planned Parenthood.

Rich’s legislation has been assigned to a committee headed by homophobic state Senator Ronda Storms – who has refused to bring it up for debate or a vote. CBS4.com reports that Storms ran for office on a pledge to prevent gays from being foster parents.

Florida is just one of three states that ban gay and lesbian couples from adopting children; the other two are Mississippi and Utah.