Michigan Lesbian Custody Dispute Heats Up

In another high-profile battle between gay parents, two Michigan women are fighting over custody of their three children in a state that bars same-sex couples from marrying.

Renee Harmon, who separated from her partner, Tammy Davis, in 2008 after a 19-year relationship, has petitioned a court in Wayne County for joint custody of her children and visitation rights. She alleges that Davis, the biological mother, has severed all ties between Harmon and her children, Click on Detroit reports.

Michigan enacted a constitutional amendment in 2004 banning marriage rights for same-sex couples. Current law also bans second-parent adoption for gay and lesbian couples.

"Renee is a party for all intents and purposes," said Harmon's attorney, Dana Nessle. "Michigan statutes that define parents leave Renee out of that definition."

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