Michigan lawmakers propose legislation to expand rights of adoptive gay parents

Under Michigan’s current adoption laws, only a single person or a married couple can adopt. Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor [pictured] proposed Bill 4249 to expand those rights to same-sex couples and others. Second-parent laws in the state allow a married step-parent to adopt a biological child of his or her current spouse.

“Gays and lesbians don’t have the same rights as heterosexual couples,” said Irwin, responding to a question on expected criticism of the proposed legislation. “I think it’s discriminating and there’s no legal basis for it.”

State Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, is also sponsoring a complementary bill in the Senate. If passed, it would not apply retroactively.