In our previous post, we began discussing the U.S. Supreme Court's recent refusal to hear a case by a same-sex California couple who claimed that Louisiana has an unconstitutional policy of denying joint custody to same-sex couples.

The adoption case was brought up on appeal in part because some civil rights groups said it would have implications for the current battle over same-sex marriage in state and federal courts and specifically, whether states must recognize rights granted to same-sex couples in other states. While the high court's ruling does not affect the custody of the adopted boy, it does mark a defeat for same-sex couples.

Lambda Legal, who represented the couple in the attempted appeal, said in its filing with the high court that listing both parents on an amended birth certificate was important in order to determine the parents' and child's right to make medical decision for family members and to determine custody, care and support of the child should the parents' divorce. The men's attorneys have also said listing both of them on the certificate is important for Social Security and tax purposes, as well as for inheritance, insurance, school registration and obtaining a passport.

According to Louisiana state officials, the New York adoption degree the couple presented for amendment did not go unrecognized, and officials offered to list one of the parents on the certificate. The same-sex couple, however, felt that wasn't good enough.

In its response to the high court's decision not to hear the case, Lambda Legal stated that children of same-sex parents are left to the discretion of state officials, and those children do not have assurance of accurate birth certificates listing both parents. Lambda said that, because of the court's decision, it would push for change in Louisiana state policy.

We will keep our readers updated on any developments in this area.

Source: CNN, "Same-sex couple denied high court review of adoption dispute," Bill Mears, October 11, 2011.