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WHEREAS, on August 20, 2002, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a child already being raised by a same-sex couple can be adopted legally by the second parent, providing enhanced security and continuity in the case of separation or the death of one parent.
WHEREAS, the Court ruled that the welfare of children should be considered first and foremost in all adoption decisions.
WHEREAS, the Court's ruling ensures that second-parent adoption serves the needs, welfare, and best interests of the children involved by providing them with emotional permanency.
WHEREAS, the ruling guarantees certain legal and social rights to children of same-sex parents, including (but not limited to) inheritance and health care benefits and financial support from both parents.
WHEREAS, second-parent adoption by same-sex couples promotes healthy child development.
WHEREAS, under this ruling, both parents have equal legal recognition and standing as part of a two-parent family.
WHEREAS, Monday, August 20, 2012, will mark the ten-year anniversary of the landmark court ruling.
WHEREAS, on Saturday, August 18, 2012, the Women's Law Project will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Shadyside.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Pittsburgh supports the right of same-sex couples to legally adopt in order to serve the needs, welfare, and best interests of their children, and hereby designates August 20 as Second-Parent Adoption Day in the City of Pittsburgh.