Same Sex Couples May Have Opportunity to Adopt in Virginia

If a proposal goes through the state board, same-sex couples in Virginia could be given the right to legally adopt children.

However, a memo released by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II stated that the proposal would violate state law. Even though Chairwoman Bela Sood understands the philosophical disagreements discussed by her appointees, governors Timothy M. Kaine and Mark Warner, they must depend on the attorney general's views. Another board member, Robert Spadaccini, also confirmed that that Cuccinelli's view "will be a driving factor" when deciding for or against the proposal.

Gay rights groups across the state are lobbying to their lawmakers to ignore Cuccinelli's viewpoint and approve the proposal regardless. At this time, the law in Virginia states that only married couples, as well as single men and single women, can adopt children. If the law is enacted, faith-based groups like Jewish Family Services and Catholic Charities would be forced to allow gay parents to apply for and adopt children.

If you have questions about adoption or domestic partnerships, contact our legal team to get answers from a Riverside family law attorney.