Sunday, March 24, 2002
Michigan leaders approach same-sex adoption cautiously
A story published today by the Lansing State Journal reports that the national focus on gay adoption could mean new hope for gay parents wanting to adopt.
Michigan state advocates for same-sex co-adoption have worked quietly for years to convince more judges to allow it.
They've sent legal briefs, made phone calls and pushed the issue at professional conferences.
But they worry a more high-profile push could indeed tip the issue in the other direction.
"I wish (gay supporters) would lie low," said Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith, a Democrat from Washtenaw County's Salem Township who's running for governor. She thinks opening up adoption law for changes could lead to an all-out ban on gay adoptions. "The law's not perfect, but it's better than creating a ban," she said.
State Rep. Paul DeWeese, R-Williamston, said the law needs work. He's on the state House Family and Children Services Committee.
"It's not clear if it's being applied differently," said DeWeese, who supports joint adoption by same-sex couples as long as they demonstrate a lasting relationship.
"Either the Legislature or the Supreme Court has to step in and clarify the law."
Attorney General Jennifer Granholm could offer an opinion on the case if asked, but that's unlikely, spokeswoman Genna Gent said.
A law change would require approval from the governor.
Dick Posthumus, the leading Republican candidate for governor, doesn't think the law needs changing, spokesman Sage Eastman said. Posthumus wouldn't support an all-out ban on gay adoption, he said.
Three Democratic candidates - Granholm, Smith and U.S. Rep. David Bonior of Mount Clemens - support co-adoption by same-sex couples. GOP contender Ed Hamilton says gay people shouldn't be barred from adopting and, under certain circumstances, should be able to adopt together.
Nationally, laws on same-sex adoption differ. Utah bans same-sex couples from adopting and Florida and Mississippi ban all gay and lesbian people from adopting.
