Gay Couples Still Face Big Adoption Hurdles

  

By Jason Spencer

Even if the state Board of Social Services approves regulations that would prevent child-placement agencies from discriminating against same-sex couples, those couples still wouldn't be able to adopt in Virginia, according to HuffPost DC.

HuffPost DC cites Virginia law that bans adoption by any couples living together outside of marriage -- whether they are heterosexual are homosexual. Same-sex couples are not considered married in Virginia for the purposes of adoption.

The state Board of Social Services has faced pressure from religious groups and elected officials, including Gov. Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, HuffPost DC reports.

Gay marriage and other social issues have been big in area legislative races, particularly in those for the state Senate. Democrats argue their tenuous hold on the upper chamber is all that's stopping further erosion of such rights.