House Bill Allowing Second Parent Adoption Supported by Councilmember at Large Arnie Fielkow
May 23, 2011 – New Orleans, LA – City Councilmember at Large Arnie Fielkow will appear before the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to testify in support of Louisiana House Bill 288, which is authored by State House Representative Helena Moreno. The proposed legislation will add second parents to the list of people who may petition for intrafamily adoption. Current law allows for a stepparent, stepgrandparent, great-grandparent, grandparent or collaterals to petition for intrafamily adoption.
“Today, I am traveling to Baton Rouge to voice my ardent support of a House bill that will increase the stability of many Louisiana homes. Second parent adoptions are critical in allowing for all families to be as strong as possible, and House Bill 288 will finally make them legal throughout Louisiana.
As the State rightly demands responsible parenting, it is incumbent upon the legislature to create laws that allow fit adults to fulfill their parental duties. Without House Bill 288, there is an unnecessary impediment barring committed, yet unmarried, couples from both assuming full parental responsibilities.
In Louisiana, adoptions and custody cases are judged based on “the best interest of the child.” I firmly believe that, in homes where there are two loving parents, it is in the best interest of the child to allow both parents to care for them emotionally, legally, financially and medically. This can only be fully achieved when both parents are recognized in the law.
My resolve to fight for adoption rights was strengthened when my wife and I adopted two young girls from Eastern Europe. Our blended family may not resemble a traditional family unit, but I guarantee you that untraditional does not mean unstable. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and House Bill 288 reflects that fact.
Nearly two years ago, I co-authored a resolution urging the Louisiana House of Representatives to vote against the passage of House Bill 60, legislation that prohibits unmarried couples from both being on the birth certificate of an adopted child. I will continue this fight until all Louisiana adoption laws are consistent with the idea that our youth are our most precious assets. They have no voice in this or any vote, but if they did, I am quite sure our youth would demand to be protected and cherished in the eye of the law.”
Arnie D. Fielkow
City Councilmember at Large
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
