Bill would repeal Fla. anti-gay adoption law

A Florida state senator has introduced legislation to repeal the state ban on adoptions by gays and lesbians.

Sen. Nan Rich (D) filed two bills - one would allow gays to adopt, the other would leave it to judges to determine where to place children where both parents are dead. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say neither has a chance of passing in the new legislature.

Florida law allows gays to serve as foster parents but not adopt. The law is considered the most repressive of its kind in the country.

The group behind a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage that was approved by voters in November has vowed to fight the legislation.

“I have no doubt that people who are homosexual, just like people with other issues, can be loving, caring parents. But the issue is what is best for the child,” Florida Family Policy Council President John Stemberger told The News-Press.

“This has nothing to do with gay marriage,” Rich told the paper. “This has to do with the best interests of children.”

Her legislation comes on the heels of a court ruling that ruled the adoption ban is illegal. No matter which way the appeals court rules it is expected the case will end up in the Florida Supreme Court.

In November, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman ruled there is “no rational basis” for prohibiting gays from adopting children.