[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

My concern is always for the children. I have become much more a libertarian in my old age..I feel little desire or need to control the lives of others, in any way. The exception is helpless kids.. The state has an interest in minors..for that reason the "Domestic Partnership" idea is troubling..kids could end up with many many "mommydaddys " to visit..because the state says they have an "interest" in them..imagine the possibilty for abuse..

As you know, my own view is that there should be a "high wall of separation" between the Parents' authority over their children, and the "interest" of the State... a sacrosanct "don't tread on me" realm of parental authority, to be breached only in cases of outright Parental Abuse, etc.

As for Adoption, there really isn't any "libertarian dogma" on the subject of which I am aware and I tend to favor the formula of assigning Adoptive Preference to the extended biological family, in order of biological relation (this is what I call the "Braveheart" formula. I also happen to view this as the Biblical formula; correct me if I am wrong).

Admittedly, such a biological Adoptive Preference would create a situation in which Adoption by Homosexuals would be relatively difficult and uncommon (with the exception, I guess, of the occasional "gay uncle" who is the closest surviving relative); but I think I can live with that, even if the lavenders can't.

[RnMomof7]

I ~think~ the proposed law says that ~anyone~ that acted as a parent to the child has a parental interest and therefore rights..(I may have misread that)

My point was if biological mom lives with 4 other women during the raising of the children each of those four other women will have visitation and vacation rights (not to mention the biological dad)

Pity the children

[xzins]

The will is a useful tool for a number of things. It helps dole out children, too. The state doesn't need to be involved if responsible parents take the time to do this simple paperwork. One of the proper functions of the state is to enforce legitimate contracts. The will is a contract.