Gay parents who break up have the same custody rights to their children in New York as heterosexual couples, now that the state recognizes gay marriages.

But non-biological parents may still want to go the extra step and adopt their child, especially if they ever see themselves moving out of state.

• Steps toward change.

• US Senate may address the issue on a national scale.

• Why a married gay couple should still consider adoption.

Legal Changes on the Move

Even before Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that legalized gay marriages in New York on June 24, activists saw signs of hope with a legal decision from the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals.

In that case, a woman who was already pregnant, Janice R., met and married another woman, Debra H., in Vermont. For 2 ?? years, they lived together in New York with Janice’s son, now almost 8, until they separated. Janice slowly and ultimately completely severed the ties between her son and Debra, so Debra sued for joint custody.

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