Judge says time needed in unmarried adoption case

DETROIT (AP) -- A judge says he needs time to decide whether to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges Michigan's ban on adoption by unmarried couples. The lawsuit is led by two Detroit-area lesbians who are raising three children. State law says that April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse can't adopt them as a couple, an option available only to heterosexual married couples. DeBoer and Rowse say their civil rights are being violated. U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman, Eastern District of Michigan, heard arguments Wednesday. In a court filing, the state attorney general's office says Friedman should defer to the judgment of Michigan lawmakers and dismiss the case. Published: Fri, Aug 31, 2012