FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 23, 2005

National Center for Lesbian Rights Attorneys to Argue Lesbian Parenting Cases before California Supreme Court

(San Francisco CA, May 23, 2005) — National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Senior Staff Attorney, Courtney Joslin will argue before the California Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 24 at approximately 9:00 a.m. in an NCLR case on behalf of a lesbian mother who is seeking child support from her former partner.

NCLR's client, Emily B., is seeking child support from her former partner, Elisa B., for the twin children that she and Elisa conceived and raised together prior to their separation.

This is one of three cases involving children born to lesbian parents currently pending before the California Supreme Court and set for argument May 24. All three pose the question of whether both partners in a same-sex couple who use reproductive technology to have children together are legal parents, as they would be if the partners were married or in an unmarried heterosexual relationship.

"California law is clear that all children must be protected, regardless of the sexual orientation or marital status of their parents," said Courtney Joslin, Senior Staff Attorney for NCLR. "These children have the same needs as all other children for the support from both of the people who caused them to be brought into the world."

Attorney General Bill Lockyer and the County of El Dorado also filed briefs arguing that Elisa B. must be held responsible for the two children she brought into the world and co-parented.

The other two cases being considered by the California Supreme Court are Kristine H. v. Lisa R. and K.M. v. E.G. NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter will be arguing on behalf of the Amici in Kristine H. v. Lisa R.

WHAT: Oral arguments before the California Supreme Court

WHEN: Tuesday, May 24 2005, 9:00 a.m. to noon

WHERE: California Supreme Court

WHO: Courtney Joslin, Senior Staff Attorney; Shannon Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights

*** Attorneys will be available for interviews immediately after the argument ***