mmates when they are life mates. This is difficult because no openly gay or lesbian parent can be assured of fair treatment.
             Those opposed to lesbian and gay foster or adoptive placements are concerned over the trauma that will occur to a child when put into that type of situation. Marie Parente, A Massachusetts representative defends the states anti-gay foster care policy. She says, "I¡m not arguing homosexuality. I¡m arguing children. I know homosexuals. They are very warm and caring and loving but being a foster child of gay parents is just too much for a child to take"(Ricketts, Achtenberg 89.)
             There have been many set backs in the fight for same-sex couple adoption. Mississippi banned adoptions by same-sex couples on May 3, 2000. The ACLU has said they will challenge this law. Florida completely bars adoption of children by gay or lesbian parents; a law installed in 1977.
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