Utah Judge Rescinds Order to Remove Baby from Lesbian Foster Parents

Judge Scott Johansen has decided to rescind his ruling that would have removed a one-year-old foster child from the home of April Hoagland her spouse, Beckie Peirce. In the original court documents, Johansen cited “belief that research has shown that children are more emotionally and mentally stable when raised by a mother and father in the same home.” Johansen made changes to the order, scratching out the word “belief” and replacing it with “concern.”

A new court date is set for December 4, reports KUTV. The baby will be staying with Hoagland and Peirce in the interim. “The judicial system is getting it right. They made a mistake a couple days ago. Today they corrected that mistake,” said Jim Hunnicutt, an attorney for the parents. According to CNN legal analyst Paul Callan, the judge’s decision to rescind was an obvious reaction to the widespread criticism he received.

The family received an outpouring of support after news of the judge’s initial order had spread. Hillary Clinton had also tweeted words of encouragement for the couple, who were married last year and are raising Peirce’s two biological children. “It is heartwarming that we not only have the support of our community but it seems the entire nation,” Hoagland said.