On March 28, 2012 the Family Law Section of the State Bar together with the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia is sponsoring the first ever continuing legal education program in Georgia focused exclusively on issues for same-sex couples.
Lawyers from across Georgia, including our very own Ruth Claiborne, will gather to learn about and discuss legal issues for same sex couples. Speakers will discuss topics including: Same-sex Issue Spotting; First Steps to Take When Retained; Interaction between Federal and State Law for Same-sex Marriage; Title 19, when it is and is not available in Same-sex Matters (and Where Else to Look); and, Domestic Partnerships. Ruth Claiborne will be speaking on parentage and same sex couples.
Pride at Six Flags (Unity Entertainment) and Atlanta LGBT Families (The Roy G Biv Project) presents:
A Free Picnic BBQ at Piedmont Park! Sunday March 27 from 2 PM to 6 PM
Look for the big rainbow umbrella at the new playground near the lake/pool area. Bring your own blanket and law chairs, games, kids, friends, dogs, shades, suntan or sunblock oil and the SPIRIT of UNITY.
Also feel free to bring your own snacks. The following will be provided:
The BBQ is free: however, Donations are encouraged and needed. Proceeds will go towards planning future LGBT events, as well as the Angel of Hope Foundation, an organization combating homelessness among women, children and teen victims of domestic violence. Can’t wait to see you there! Click here for further details on Facebook.
The Connecticut Supreme Court recently ruled that a second parent adoption is not necessary to establish parental rights for the non-genetic intended parent of a child born through gestational surrogacy. The court indicated that a valid Gestational Agreement (contract), entered into prior to the pregnancy, is what is required in order for both parents to be considered the child’s legal parents at the time of birth. This ruling is a step forward for gay couples in Connecticut, who otherwise would need to complete a second parent adoption for the non-genetic parent to be a legal parent of the child. Read an article about this case here.
Beginning January 6th, 2011 passport applications and citizenship forms for children of American parents born outside the U.S. will use the title “parent” instead of “mother” and “father”, making it easier for gay and lesbian parents to apply for and obtain passports for their children. This is being done in an effort to recognize different types of U.S. families.
The New York Times reported today that gay parenting is more common in the south, especially in states such as Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. This is census data rather than legal trends. Read the full article here.
