Florida State and the Future of Gay Adoption Essay -- Journalism Journ

Florida state legality currently illegalises lesbians and jocund men from adopting children. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is attempting to shake a case out front the Supreme Court that could overturn the law. The ban on gay adoption has been in place since 1977, when the state legislative body almost unanimously condoned restriction of the rights of its gay citizens. Legislation on the foreshorten was sparked by Anita Bryants Save Our Children campaign, which raged through Florida and even beyond spreading myths somewhat homosexuality and linking homosexuality to pedophilia. At the time of its inception, Senator Curtis Peterson, one of its primary supporters, talk to the laws true purpose The problem in Florida has been that homosexuals are surfacing to much(prenominal) an extent that theyre beginning to aggravate the ordinary folks. Were trying to send them a message, telling them Were really tired of you. We wish youd go back into the water closet (1).The sta tes attitude, while becoming more equally divided on the issue, has non changed significantly enough to overturn the law. An appeal was made to a three-person appeals panel, which upheld the law. A request for reconsideration of the decision made to the federal Court of Appeals for the eleventh Circuit, which encompasses the geographic area of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, was denied. This denial has allowed the ACLU to bring the case before the Supreme Court for consideration. Perhaps most indicative of the laws blatantly prejudiced basis is the fact that the state has no restrictions on using gays and lesbians to economize the burden on the foster care system. The state frequently uses gay couples to provide homes for disabled and terminally ill children, barely refuses to recognize that thi... ...ion, it entrust shape the framework in which we discuss the issue of gay adoption. This is true. We must recognize the fearful power of one to appoint these decision makers wi thout a sufficiently balanced congress- it is the ability to embody political rhetoric inside a judicial structure. Rhetoric itself may and does sway public opinion, but its embodiment is the ability to set precedents which may be applied in broad-sweeping generalities, rather than the specifics of a single law. Internet Sources1)ACLU, Background information on the specific case in Florida.2)Let Him Stay, Specifically devoted to the Croteau-Lofton case great(p) detailed information on the family, laws and legislation affecting the case.3)Human Rights Campaign, State-by-state information on both current and pending legislation on a long range of issues affecting the LGBT community.