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Compiled By GayToday
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Arlington, Virginia--An Arlington County Circuit Court judge
wasted no time last week in rejecting an attempt by the Virginia Attorney
General's office to end a lawsuit filed by a lesbian mother who wants to
adopt a foster child. |
Linda Kaufman |
Arlington resident Linda Kaufman is suing the Commonwealth of Virginia for
refusing to allow her to adopt a District of Columbia foster child because
Kaufman is a lesbian.
Judge Joanne Alper rejected Virginia's
argument that Kaufman's case should be dismissed because she has not
formally submitted an application to adopt a child.
Kaufman was prevented from submitting an application when a Washington, D.C.
child welfare agency said it could not initiate a child placement because the Virginia
Department of Social Services had already stated it would deny Kaufman's
application. Judge Alper called the situation created by Virginia a
"Catch-22" and ruled that Kaufman's case can move forward.
"Today is a great day for justice, because the court saw right through the
smokescreen Virginia sent up to hide its anti-gay discrimination," said
Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Greg Nevins, who argued the case on behalf of
Kaufman.
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"Everybody knows that Linda Kaufman is a great mother, and a
wonderful adoptive parent, but no child can be placed with her for adoption
until Virginia agrees that it will consider the adoption based on what's in
the best interest of the child, rather than outdated stereotypes," Nevins
added.
Linda Kaufman stated: "I am thrilled with the judge's decision that my case
will move forward. I can only bring a child into my home if there is a
real possibility Virginia will approve the adoption, and today we're a step
closer to that happening."
Kaufman, a Virginia resident, is an ordained Episcopal priest and a
dedicated social services professional in Washington, D.C. In 1992, she
adopted her son from the D.C. foster care system, and he has thrived under
her care. Since 1999, Kaufman has been trying to adopt one or more foster
children from Washington, D.C.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Virginia Denies Lesbian Mom Chance to Adopt Foster Child
American Academy of Pediatrics OKs Gay Couples Adopting
Lawmakers Who Banned Adoption Admit to Being Wrong
Related Sites:
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund
GayToday does not endorse related sites.
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Rebecca Glenberg of the ACLU of Virginia is co-counsel and Joseph Price of
Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC is Lambda Legal's cooperating
attorney.
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