Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services
What's at Stake
The Missouri Department of Social Services turned down Lisa Johnston’s application to become a foster parent because she’s a lesbian.
Summary
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.
Legal Documents
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07/21/2005
Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Motion for Summary Judgment
Date Filed: 07/21/2005
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05/03/2005
Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Petition
Date Filed: 05/03/2005
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02/17/2006
Johnston v. MO Dept. of Social Services - Order for Summary Judgment
Date Filed: 02/17/2006
Press Releases
ACLU Reacts to Missouri Attorney General’s Statement Signaling End of Statewide Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban
Missouri Judge Rules That Lesbian Can Be Foster Parent
ACLU Argues Challenge to Missouri's Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban
ACLU Asks Missouri Judge to Let Lesbian Become Foster Parent
Lesbian Challenges Missouri Policy Barring Gay People from Foster Parenting