The full decision where Reker testified re: gay adoption and got $120,000. Fascinating read!

[Hamlette]

I'm sure you've seen this quote from the decision but the whole read is very interesting. The gay couple trying to adopt, (foster children who had been with them for four years, brothers who the "got" at ages 4 years and 4 months), their witnesses and the state's witnesses attempting to uphold a ban against adoption by gays.

"Dr. Rekers' testimony was far from a neutral and unbiased recitation of the relevant scientific evidence. Dr. Rekers' beliefs are motivated by his strong ideological and theological convictions that are not consistent with the science. Based on his testimony and demeanor at trial, the court can not consider his testimony to be credible nor worthy of forming the basis of public policy."

Read at least the description of Reker's testimony and writings (what a nut case) and his side kick, another nut named Schumm, which is about 1/3 of the way down the page.

Oh, and read the first few paragraphs about the what the two boys were like when the Petitioner became a foster parent and the bottom line (by the Judge) at the end.

Hopefully this will be a trend setting decision in all states.

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/05/07/rekers-beliefs-no-consistent-with-the-science-rekers-himself-not-credible

[Hamlette]

1. kick

in case anyone is interested. It is a great decision by a Florida judge.

[Loudmxr]

2. Hamlette!! I had to get off my phone to get to my computer to see the last line!!

Damn track ball is a pain on long articles.

Really nice tease. You had me going there.... I didn't know if it would be a happy ending....and ...IT WAS!!!!!!!

Thank you for posting this.

When I have written about marriage equality I have said "... and most important of all it gives dignity to the relationship." So does official adoption.

I am so happy

John Brady

[Hamlette]

3. it is a great decision

although, only a right wing loony judge would have decided differently given the evidence. One more reason to keep republicans out of office. They appoint right wing loony judges.

I'm so old, I remember my gay friends having huge arguments about whether they should even want to marry. It was a failed hetero institution and they should have nothing to do with it they argued. I lived in San Francisco then and it was a hot issue then for some reason.

But we were young. And even us heteros thought marriage was too conventional. But age, and I think aids, changed all that. It's like abortion. Have one or don't but don't tell anyone they can't.

Each couple/person has his or her own reasons for wanting to marry. I married for money. (My husband and I were both in college. He got the GI bill, $210 a month. We'd get $320 if we married. I'm old. Our rent was $80 and our tuition, law school mind you, was less than $800 per year. So you can see why $120 bucks seemed worth it!.)

[Shallah Kali]

4. While governors pick superior court judges they DO face relection campaigns

which is why one california pro-prop 8 right wing group is trying elect conservative judges in place of those who's rulings they consider too liberal

Prop 8 Backers Seek to Take Control Of California Courts
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/groups/better-courts-now

Several Religious Right activists and California state legislators have unveiled a new effort to take control of the court system "across San Diego County and eventually America" via elections through a new organization called "Better Courts Now", arguing that Proposition 8 would not have even been necessary if the state had the proper judges:


Christian Right Targets San Diego Judges
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/apr/30/christian-right-targets-san-diego-judges/

[Hamlette]

5. ack. Lucky for some of us, each state is different

really tough to get a judge off the bench in my state

and, for the most part, appointed judges to tend, for the most part, to be moderate. Not too many Glenn Becks on the bench.