Home blog The National: Lesbian Couple Sues Iowa Officials Over “Illegitimate” Birth Certificate

The National: Lesbian Couple Sues Iowa Officials Over “Illegitimate” Birth Certificate

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Based on advice from the Iowa Attorney General’s office, the Iowa Department of Public Health refused to include both parents on their child’s birth certificate. Now, Heather and Melissa Gartner are suing the Department to include the name of the parent who did not birth their daughter, as well as the name of the parent who did. According to Pam’s House Blend, the Gartners previously tried to resolve the issue through “administrative channels.” The IDPH claims that the non-birthing spouse must complete the legal adoption process in order to be listed as the child’s second parent, despite the fact that the Gartners were legally married in Iowa before their child was born, and despite the fact that heterosexual couples do not face the same restrictions when conceiving a child through sperm donation.

Elsewhere…

Texas – Former First Lady Laura Bush really wants to ride a Dallas Pride float. (Towleroad)

Texas – Two gay men were mugged and beaten in a possible hate crime. (Towleroad)

Georgia – Last month’s carjacking of four gay Moorehouse College students by three homophobic-slur-shouting teenagers near the college’s campus caused an uproar when police revealed they were not investigating the incident as a hate crime. Now, one of the victims says he agrees with police, and does not believe he and his fellow students were targeted because of their sexuality. (The Advocate)

California – Mary Glasspool’s ordination as an Episcopal Bishop was disrupted by two protesters, including a young boy. The head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, previously criticized the Episcopal Church’s plan to ordain Glasspool, its first openly lesbian bishop, saying it “raises very serious questions not just for the Episcopal Church and its place in the Anglican Communion, but for the Communion as a whole.” (Towleroad)

Belarus – Belarus’ Pride festival was broken up by riot police, who reportedly beat and arrested several participants. (Joe.My.God)