Iowa Supreme Court: Birth certificate should name both same-sex parents

[progressoid]

*cross posted in GD.* http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022793196

Iowa Supreme Court: Birth certificate should name both same-sex parents

Married same-sex couples have the same rights as married heterosexuals to have both parents listed on the birth certificates of their newborn children, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled this morning.

Justices ruled 6-0 to require that the Iowa Department of Public Health begin listing both married parents on a newborn child’s birth certificate, despite state concerns that biological-based parenting rights would be cast aside if a Des Moines lesbian was allowed to establish paternity of her child.

...

“It is important for our laws to recognize that married lesbian couples who have children enjoy the same benefits and burdens as married opposite-sex couples who have children,” the opinion says. “By naming the nonbirthing spouse on the birth certificate of a married lesbian couple’s child, the child is ensured support from that parent and the parent establishes fundamental legal rights at the moment of birth. Therefore, the only explanation for not listing the nonbirthing lesbian spouse on the birth certificate is stereotype or prejudice.

Today’s ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by Melissa and Heather Gartner after the state refused in 2009 to list both of their names on the birth certificate of their daughter, Mackenzie. The baby had been carried by Heather and conceived via an anonymous sperm donor.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130503/NEWS/130503007/Iowa-Supreme-Court-Birth-certificate-should-name-both-same-sex-parents?odyssey=tab

Wonder if Vanderass will want to recall Braindead's Supreme Court guys now?

[cyberswede]

1. "Vanderass"