News (USA)

Neb. legislative committee advances gay foster parent bill

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A Nebraska legislative committee on Friday advanced a bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to serve as foster parents if they are related to the child or have a well-established relationship.
By Staff Reports · Updated on July 28, 2013
Neb. legislative committee advances gay foster parent bill

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Nebraska legislative committee on Friday advanced a bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to serve as foster parents if they are related to the child or have a well-established relationship.

Nebraska state capitol in Lincoln.

The Judiciary Committee voted 5-1 to advance the bill (LB385) to the full Legislature. Lawmakers are about to adjourn for the year, but will debate it in 2014.

The bill would change current state policy that bans openly gay people and unrelated, unmarried adults who live together from serving as foster parents.

The measure was introduced by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, of Omaha.

Nordquist said the bill would help remove barriers to placement of children with someone they know who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Children tend to do better in homes in which they know or are related to caregivers, he said.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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