BTL Editorial: Time to legalize same-sex parents

In the past week, much ado has been made about Mary Cheney's pregnancy. And rightly so.
The vice president's lesbian daughter and her partner of 15 years are expecting their first child in late spring.
Gay activists are heralding the couple for moving ahead and creating a family, in the face of conservative opposition.
"Her action repudiates traditional values and sets an appalling example for young people at a time when father absence is the most pressing social problem facing the nation. … Mary Cheney is contributing to a trend that is detrimental to all Americans who will live with the ramifications of millions of children whose anger and frustration at not knowing their father will be felt in the public schools and communities of our nation," said Janice Shaw Crouse, a columnist at Townhall.com.
Really? We're betting that a child is far better off being raised by two mommies than an alcoholic or abusive father. Spend a few days with each set of parents, Janice, and then get back to us.
Even with a wave of conservative backlash, Vice President Dick Cheney remains supportive of his daughter, issuing a statement that he looks forward to welcoming his sixth grandchild. But the reality is that Cheney is part of the administration that prevents his daughter, who has stood at the sidelines during her father's term, from marrying her partner, or allowing both Mary Cheney and Heather Poe to legally co-parent their child. It's ironic that the baby's grandfather is, in fact, part of the cause that have denied rights to millions of gay and lesbians couples.
Virginia, where the couple resides, last month became one of 27 states with a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
"Unless they move to a handful of less restrictive states, Heather will never be able to have a legal relationship with her child," said Family Pride Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler.
Last week in Michigan, an appeal court in Ingham County upheld a same-sex two-parent adoption. While this is a victory, the possibility remains that the case may be appealed and taken before the Michigan Supreme Court.
While the American Civil Liberties Union applauds the decision, other gay activists warn that the case doe snot have far-reaching implications.
House Bill 5399 has a chance to change all of this. The bill that would protect same-sex second-parent adoptions was introduced in November 2005 in the Michigan legislature by state Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield. Unfortunately, it will most likely die in session this week as legislators close down for winter break.
The good news: Condino plans to reintroduce the bill in January. Michigan residents, step up to the plate. Contact state representatives and press for support of the new bill.
We live in a country where the vice president's daughter can't have her own family legally recognized because some see a possibly abusive mom-dad duo better suited for the job. Speak out. Do your part to protect yourself and families in the LGBT community.