Free Republic

Justices Shy Away From Gay Parent's Case May 15 11:36 AM US/Eastern Email this story By GINA HOLLAND Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON The Supreme Court refused Monday to block a gay woman from seeking parental rights to a child she had helped raise with her partner. Justices could have used the case to clarify the rights of gays in child custody disputes stemming from nontraditional families. They declined, without comment, to disturb a ruling of Washington state's highest court that said Sue Ellen Carvin could pursue ties to the girl as a "de facto parent." The girl is now 11....

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court is taking a pass on a Washington state case about the rights of a gay parent. The high court has refused to stop a lesbian from seeking parental rights to a child she helped raise with her partner. Justices might have used the case to clarify child custody disputes in nontraditional families. But they declined without comment. The Washington state Supreme Court said Sue Ellen Carvin is a "de facto parent" and could pursue parental rights with a girl who is now 11 years old. The girl's biological mother, Page Britain, said that could...