bathroom sex scandal was the topic of choice. As summer
unofficially comes to a close, let’s take a moment to refocus on
some of the more important issues for our families.
There was a groundbreaking victory in Maine on Thursday. A tip of
our hat to our friends and neighbors at GLAD. EqualityMaine’s
website posted this statement regarding the decision:
This morning, Maine’s Law Court issued a ruling that
paves the way for two siblings in foster care to be jointly adopted
by the two women who have raised them for the past six years. At
last, Ann Courtney and Marilyn Kirby of Portland will be able to
form a permanent, legal parental relationship with their foster
children, 10-year-old “M” and her brother, six-year-old “R”. The
case was argued by attorneys at Gay & Lesbian Advocates &
Defenders.
Also on Thursday, in a historic ruling, an Iowa judge ordered Polk
County officials to accept marriage certificates from same-sex
couples. Less than 24 hours later, the county won a stay of the
judge’s order, halting marriage equality. Nonetheless, some 27
same-sex couples were able to file for applications, and Sean Fritz
and Tim McQuillan of Ames, Iowa were able to get married and return
their license to the courthouse in time. Thus, they are the first
official same-sex couple to be married in the state.
I think it will be interesting to hear the reactions of
presidential candidates regarding the Iowa decision. Many
candidates have expressed their belief that marriage equality is a
state issue – so shouldn’t we expect to see those same candidates
support this big leap for equality in Iowa? Only time will
tell.
Stay tuned. September is shaping up to be a historic month for our
families.