Adoption Ban For Gay, Unmarried Couples In Court

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The state of Michigan is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges a ban on adoption by unmarried couples.

The lawsuit is led by two Detroit-area lesbians who are raising three children. April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse each have adopted children on their own, but they'd like to adopt the children as a couple -- an option only for heterosexual married couples.

The Michigan Constitution bans same-sex marriage, and a separate law bans adoption by unmarried couples.

DeBoer and Rowse say their civil rights are being violated. Detroit federal Judge Bernard Friedman will hear arguments Wednesday.

In a court filing, the state attorney general's office says Friedman should defer to the judgment of Michigan lawmakers and dismiss the case.

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