Banning adoption
by gays not a priority in Kansas

A panel of Kansas lawmakers doesn't plan to discuss prohibiting gays and lesbians from adopting children anytime soon. At the urging of conservative representative Steve Huebert, a joint legislative committee had tentative plans to discuss adoption criteria for foster children this week. But Republican representative Willa DeCastro, who chairs the Joint Committee on Children's Issues, which considers issues affecting children's health and safety when the legislature is not in session, said the issue is a low priority. "I have a full agenda," said DeCastro.

A prohibition on gay adoption "didn't make the cut with this chairman," said Huebert, who added that adoption should be limited to homes with a mother and father. His proposal has received criticism from gay and lesbian advocacy groups, and many lawmakers said they were not eager to take on such an emotional issue. (AP)