Mississippi Overturns Controversial Same-Sex Adoption Ban

A 16-year-old controversial ban on same-sex adoption in Mississippi has been over-turned. Mississippi was the last remaining state where this law was still in place, following Florida and Nebraska. U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan issued a preliminary injunction last week in which he declared the ban as unconstitutional after the country-wide same-sex marriage legalisation last year.  

Jordan wrote, “It also seems highly unlikely that the same court that held a state cannot ban gay marriage because it would deny benefits—expressly including the right to adopt—would then conclude that married gay couples can be denied that very same benefit”. 

Last year, four same sex couples attempted to sue the state as they were unable to adopt. Including the case of one couple who did not have full parental rights over their 15-year old son. 

Although, it’s not all good news for the LGBT community of Mississippi. The law makers of the state are considering a “religious freedom” bill, which would mean businesses could deny services to LGBT customers, which includes marriage and adoption, if the person believes due to their religion that marriage should be between a man and woman.

What do you think about these bills? Comment below.