Florida Gay Adoption Ban Debated

The subject of gay adoption was debated on the Florida legislative floor Tuesday for the first time in 33 years when lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced amendments that would prohibit adoption discrimination based on sexual orientation.

According to The Palm Beach Post, the debate on the 33-year-old gay adoption ban arose with the introduction of amendments in both chambers.

Senate president Jeff Atwater allowed Sen. Charlie Justice "to offer an amendment on a bill that would prohibit adoption agencies from discriminating against gun owners. Justice's amendment proposed a similar prohibition for discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Justice, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, withdrew the amendment before a vote could be taken. Rep. Scott Randolph, a Democrat from Orlando, introduced a similar amendment in the House Tuesday but also withdrew it before a vote, the Post reported.

A state appeals court is expected to rule any time on the gay adoption ban in the case of Martin Gill, a gay man from Miami-Dade County whom a judge allowed to adopt two foster children. Florida law allows gay foster parents but prohibits them from permanently adopting children.