Judge Rules Lesbian Can Be Foster Mom

A Jackson County judge has ruled that being a lesbian does not disqualify a person from being a foster parent. The Department of Social Services had contended Lisa Johnston lacked reputable character because of her same-sex relationship. And, it denied her the license needed to raise a special needs foster child. In making her ruling, Jackson County Judge Sandra Midkiff cited the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Lawrence versus Texas case. That ruling struck down the Texas sodomy law and, by extension, similar laws throughout the country. The judge says if Johnston is breaking no law there is no evidence of bad character. An official with the State Attorney General’s office says there will be an appeal.