The Missouri Department of Social Services turned down Lisa Johnston's application to become a foster parent because she's a lesbian.

Lisa Johnston

Lisa Johnston, who works in child development, wants to give a foster home to a Missouri child in need. Over 1,900 foster children in Missouri are waiting for good homes. But the Missouri Department of Social Services turned down Johnston's application to become a foster parent solely because she's a lesbian. After she lost an administrative appeal, the ACLU is representing Johnston in suing the state to overturn the denial of her application.

Status: Victory! This case was decided favorably by the Jackson County Circuit Court, and the Missouri Attorney General has indicated that the state must drop its appeal.

> Get Busy. Get Equal. Parenting Resources

News
> ACLU Reacts to Missouri Attorney General’s Statement Signaling End of Statewide Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban (6/8/2006)
> Missouri Judge Rules That Lesbian Can Be Foster Parent (2/17/2006)
> ACLU Argues Challenge to Missouri's Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban (11/3/2005)
> ACLU Asks Missouri Judge to Let Lesbian Become Foster Parent (7/21/2005)
> Lesbian Challenges Missouri Policy Barring Gay People from Foster Parenting (5/2/2005)

Legal Documents
> Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Order for Summary Judgment (2/17/2006)
> Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Motion for Summary Judgment (7/21/2005)
> Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Petition (5/3/2005)

Additional Resources
> Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Plaintiff Profile: Lisa Johnston (5/3/2005)