By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services/Arizona Daily Star
Just a week after Gov. Doug Ducey vigorously advocated for more adoptions regardless of the parents sexual preference, he found he had to overturn a state policy blocking gay adoptions.
Ducey issued an order late Wednesday voiding a Department of Child Safety policy of refusing to certify legally married gay couples for adoption or permitting them to jointly be foster parents.
A spokesman for the governor said he just learned about the policy earlier Wednesday.
Related: Maricopa attorney wants Supreme Court ruling on same-sex adoptions
Comment by Rose Law Group Partner Kaine Fisher:
“I applaud the governor for so boldly stepping in to ensure same-sex couples are afforded the opportunity to adopt the more than 17,000 children currently in this state’s care and control.
“Many people have questions and concerns about whether DCS has been providing adequate care for these children. In fact, this was the impetus for the recent change in leadership with that agency. So why not lighten some of the load?
“There are many loving and caring same-sex couples out there who can provide the children with a good home.This seems, at least to me, to be a much better alternative than a foster home.
“The courts have spoken, and this state now recognizes same-sex marriages. So why this mandate was not being applied in an adoption context by one of our state’s agencies is beyond comprehension or reason.
“I suppose change is hard for some people, but I’m glad to know Governor Ducey has made it a priority to move our state in the right direction.”
