Title: Adoption Equality for All: an Analysis of State Law

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper I will talk about adoption rights for LGBTQ individuals in the United States and how it affects both the children and the applicants. I will be looking at how adoption differs for each state. For example, I examine whether the state allows second parent rights and whether the state allows a LGBTQ couple to perform step parent adoptions. I discuss the Constitutionality of adoption rights under the doctrine of privacy and the role that religion plays in state adoption laws. Although support for the LGBTQ community has gone up significantly there are few laws to stop discrimination and protect LGBTQ individuals on their quest to become parents.