The Future of Gay Adoption in Florida, the Future of Marriage in Maine

Published April 22, 2009 @ 06:07AM PT

Gay Adoption Who knew that April 22 would be a popular day for LGBT politics? Down in Florida this morning, the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether or not it should uphold a Miami judge's ruling that the state's ban on adoption for gays and lesbians is unconstitutional. If the Supreme Court sides with the Miami judge, then gays and lesbians will be able to adopt children. You can watch the hearings live here, which are set to start airing at 10:40AM.

And in Maine, advocates are out in droves this morning for a hearing in Augusta over marriage equality legislation that has been introduced in the state. There are more than 60 co-sponsors of the bill which would legalize same-sex marriage, and make Maine the fifth state in the country to recognize marriage equality. You can follow the tweets of both Equality Maine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) for live updates from the hearing. Early reports are that marriage equality supporters are far out-numbering opponents of same-sex marriage.

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They have been ramping up the anti-gay marraige comercials here too. The morning news had just as many opinions from those who are against the bill as those who were for, maybe more. I'm really worried. Mainers have voted this down a few times before. It may be a "blue state" but that shouldn't lull anyone into thinking this will be an easy fight.

Posted by Derek Viger on 04/22/2009 @ 06:52AM PT
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Update: Here are some recent poll numbers on the issue

According to Pan Atlantic, 49.5 percent said they oppose the bill, 47.3 percent said they support it and 3.3 percent said they don't know.

Posted by Derek Viger on 04/22/2009 @ 07:26AM PT
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A ban on LGBT people adopting children is unconstitutional and is why the Florida Supreme Court is obligated to rule in favor of justice, not oppression. In addition, it's great that a bill that would recognize same-sex marriage in Maine has been introduced and it's also great that over 60 co-sponsorers have signed the bill. With same-sex marriage a necessary LGBT right, it's good that proponets for the advancement of LGBT rights outnumber the intolerant.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 04/22/2009 @ 04:27PM PT
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.