NC law "outlaws" second parent adoption.
Now, this is not new news. It is something that has been the norm. But more LGBTQ couples are challenging the law, which is good. Second parent adoption in the case where a couple is not wed is the issue. And LGBTQ couples cannot be wed. Therefore, unlike opposite sex couples, same sex couples cannot have the protection for their children if one of the parents were to die or be hurt. It also affects the overall care of the child or children, in terms who is the "parent" or "legal guardian" in legal cases, going to the hospital, schools, etc.
This is from the ACLU:
A
second-parent adoption occurs when one partner in an unmarried couple
adopts the other partner’s biological or adoptive child; this can occur
in both gay and straight relationships. The ACLU is challenging the ban
on second parent adoption in North Carolina on behalf of six families.
Each family consists of a child or children being raised by two gay or
lesbian parents who are in committed, long-term relationships with each
other. In each of these loving families, the child has a legally
recognized relationship with only one parent (either through birth or
adoption), although, in reality, the child is being raised by both
parents.
Children
denied a legally recognized, second parent are left vulnerable. They
may not be covered by their non-legal parent's health insurance plan; or
if the child is sick or injured, hospital staff may prevent the
non-legal parent from visiting the child in the hospital or from
consenting to needed medical care. In some cases, a child may be ripped
from the only home he or she has ever known if one legal parent dies.
Here's the link to this article: https://www.aclu.org/second-parent-adoption-nc
There was an interesting debate that went on about this issue today with the ACLU and Equality NC. The link is here: http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/12/04/icymi-how-nc-laws-barring-second-parent-adoption-and-same-sex-marriage-jeopardizes-families-children-full-video/
Justice is moving forward in NC!
Pax,
Brett
1 comment:
It's not fair to deny a child a mother or a father. I think trying to raise children as if a same sex couple are the parents is ridiculous. Children need a MOM and a DAD. Even if one of their parents is gay, and in a committed relationship. What ever happened to the importance of blood relationships?
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