Appeals Court Rules Florida's Gay Adoption Ban Unconstitutional

On Wednesday, an appeals court in Miami shook up the Sunshine States political landscape by ruling that the states law banning gay couples from adopting children is unconstitutional.

The Third District Court of Appeals issued a 3-0 ruling in favor of Frank Gill who has served as the foster parent for two boys. The ruling likely will not settle the matter. Gills attorneys initially intended to take their case to the Florida Supreme Court -- where it will probably end up on appeal.

Social conservatives criticized the decision soon after it was released. John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, took aim at part of the ruling that opined that homosexuals and heterosexuals make equally good parents.

The court is completely out of step with the social science research which proves that having both a mother and a father is in the childs best interest, said Stemberger. In every other area of the law involving children the standard is what is in the best interest of children. What is stunning is that when gays are involved, the court ignores that common-law standard and panders to this extreme minority group.The court has essentially ruled that two dads are just as good as a mom and a dad. This is empirically false.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democratic nominee in the U.S. Senate race, chimed in praising the decision.

"Today's decision was the right one for Florida families, said Meek. For too long, Florida has barred couples from adopting children just because of who they love. While this decision is progress, Florida is far behind the curve when it comes to extending equal rights and protections for members of the LGBT community.