I believe that the 2 main issues here are these:
1) Legal Custody of the minor child: In Vermont, these to ladies' civil union is seen in the eyes of the law as equal to a traditional marriage. Isabella was a production, if you will, of this union. That gives BOTH women the legal right to seek custody. Why? Legally, in Vermont, they are her parents, plain and simple. One does not have to agree or disagree morally with that decision, but one must respect it legally- it is the law. Plus, because this union took place in Vermont, and they were living in Vermont, Vermont laws and courts apply. In turn, other states, in the tradition of reciprosity, should recognize the legal decisions of Vt- or at the very least a judge has to review them.
2) Rights to custody of Isabella: I think this is where most people have issues with this case. It seems to be where personal fellings and morals come into play. Does Ms. Jenkins have rights to Isabella, since she is not a blood relative, but simply Moma's ex-girlfriend.
Also, I think this is where most people have a hard time seperating morals/values from rights/truths. The truth is, Isabella grew up believing that Ms. Jenkins was also her mother. She has a bond with this child; while probably not quite close as the bond between Isabella and Ms. Miller, there is still a strong, deep reaching bond there. She was intrusted to help raise Isabella, teach her right from wrong, good from evil, love from hate, compassion from cruelty. There is love there, mother to child, because for all intents and purposes, she IS Isabella's mother too- maybe not biological, but just as is with step-parents, there is that parental-child relationship.
The thing that one has to do here is to take OUR personal views on the relationship between the parents, set that aside, and take a look at the relationships between each parent and Isabella. What is denying this already established bond between Isabella and Ms. Jenkins doing to her? What is this denial by Ms. Miller doing to her relationship with Isabella?
Please understand, I am in no way judging the kind of relationship that Ms. miller and Ms. Jenkins had (Personally I think everyone has the God given right to be as happy or as miserable with whomever they want to). What I am judging is the way that this split is being handled and how it is effecting Isabella. Unless there is some unknown reason to fear that Isabella is in immediate impending physical danger, then how can it be right to deny Isabella her 'other' mother? How can it right or just to deny a child love?
My favorite verse in the bible is 1 Corinthians 13: 4- 8, 13.... It begins with the first statement and ends with the second... To me, it kind of 'fits' this paticular situation....
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
:twocents:
