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Virginia: New Rules Allow Agencies to Discriminate

New rules enacted for Virginia adoption agencies allow them to discriminate against same-sex families.

On the opposite side of the fence, Illinois just enacted rules banning discrimination against same-sex couples.

Virginia: Comment Period Extended

The Virginia State Board of Social Services agreed to extend the comment period on adoption regulations that lack protections against gay and lesbian families.

The board was close to approving regulations that banned discrimination but voted against the protections earlier this year after religious groups complained.

 

 

 

Virginia: Advocacy Groups Seek to Reopen Comment Period

Advocacy groups have come forward to reopen the comment period surrounding a rejected proposed rule that would have banned adoption agencies in Virginia from discriminating against gay families.

Virgina: Board Votes 7-2 to Reject Regulation That Would Have Protected Same-Sex Families

Earlier this month, a committee began considering a regulation that would have banned any licensed adoption agency in Virigina from discriminating against an adoptive parent based on sexual orientation.  The Governor of Virginia, an opponent of same-sex adoption, and possibly unaware of the regulation under consideration, soon came under attack by religious organizations.  Online petitions from both sides followed.  

The Virigina Board of Social Services has now issued its opinion and rejected language that would have banned Virigina faith-based adoption agencies from discriminating against adoptive parents based on their sexual orientation. 

Vermont/Virginia: Arrest in Ongoing Lesbian Custody Dispute Case

Janet Jenkins and Lisa Miller had a child together but their relationship soon soured and they fought over custody.  Miller argued that she gave birth to the child and that Jenkins should not be recognized as a legal parent.  She then filed an action in Virginia, presumably a state more hostile to same-sex relationships, seeking to be declared the child's sole legal parent.  Jenkins filed in Vermont seeking recognition as a legal parent.  The courts conferred and ultimately decided that the Vermont court was more suitable to hear the case.  Ultimately, Jenkins prevailed and was awarded visitation. 

Miller and the child vanished.

This month criminal charges have been filed regarding this case against a third party according to this New York Times article.

 

Virginia: Online Petition to Convince Governor Not To Object to Regulations Banning Discrimination

April 16th is committee hearing to consider regulations in virginia that would ban licensed adoption agencies from discriminating against same-sex couples.  Governor is against regulations.  There is a link inside the news clip to voice your opinion.

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/in-virginia-governor-wants-to-block-adoptions-by-gays-and-lesbians/politics/2011/04/12/18687

Virginia: Rule Banning Discrimination by Adoption Agencies Almost Makes It Through

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/6/faith-groups-cheer-halt-to-adoption-requirement/?page=1

Virginia: Comments on Proposed Regulations to Prevent Discrimination by all Licensed Adoption Agencies

http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/comments.cfm?stageid=5370