| High Court Sidesteps Gay Adoption
THE NEWS: The Supreme Court rejected an appeal Monday by four men who challenged Florida's ban on adoption by gay couples, avoiding another contentious fight over gay rights.
OPPOSING SIDES: Supporters contend the state has the power to promote traditional father-mother families. Opponents argued the law was irrational because it excluded potential parents for thousands of abandoned children.
BY THE NUMBERS: Florida had more than 8,000 children awaiting adoption in fiscal 2002, while there were 126,000 nationwide, the Child Welfare League of America's attorney Stuart Delery said. |