N.Y. Gay Couple Files Discrimination Case Against Online Adoption Service

Lambda Legal filed a discrimination complaint Tuesday with the New York State attorney general on behalf of a gay couple who were barred from posting their profile at an online adoption service.

Rosario Gennaro and Alexander Gardner of New York City claim the Arizona-based Adoption Profiles LLC and Adoption Media LLC violate New York State antidiscrimination laws. The companies' website, ParentProfiles.com, allows only opposite-sex couples to register.

It is not the first time a gay couple has lodged a complaint against the service. Last year it settled out of court a lawsuit brought by a San Jose, Calif., couple, Michael and Rich Butler, who alleged the companies violated California antidiscrimination law.

The companies argued that because they are based in Arizona and do business on the Internet, they did not have to comply with California law. A federal court judge in San Francisco rejected the argument and ruled that the lawsuit could proceed.

The companies have since ceased doing business in California, said Lambda Legal staff attorney Flor Bermudez, who added, "They can't come into New York and effectively hang a sign on the door saying 'Gay couples need not apply.' "

The Associated Press reported that the companies had not yet responded to requests for comment. (The Advocate)