Same-sex couples argue Indiana birth certificate law biased

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An attorney for eight married same-sex couples argued that the state of Indiana is discriminating against them by not allowing both women to be listed on their children’s birth certificates.

A federal judge in Indianapolis heard arguments Friday over whether state law wrongly forces the woman who didn’t give birth to go through a costly adoption process to be legally recognized as the child’s parent.

Lawyers for the state maintain the law is fair by allowing parental rights through either a biological relationship or an adoption.

Attorney Karen Celestino-Horseman says the state law is biased against the female couples she represents because both women aren’t recognized as parents like the husband and wife would be in a heterosexual marriage.

Judge Tanya Walton Pratt didn’t say when she would make a decision.

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