Landmark legal victory for gay Black Mountain[Tennessee] couple

Dan82 · Jul 6, 2010

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100706/NEWS/307030045/1009

After a more than three-year court battle, Angel Chandler can finally have her children legally stay in her home.

And for Chandler and her partner Mary Counce, the couple hopes the recent landmark legal victory makes it easier for other gay and lesbian couples facing similar situations.

“It definitely makes the victory a lot sweeter knowing that not only did we win the case, but for other gays and lesbians across Tennessee, those judges aren't going to be able to say, ‘you're not good parents because you're gay,' or ‘you can't have your kids because you're gay,' or ‘you can't stay together.'

“It is gratifying to think that other judges will be held in check because of the decision from the appellate court on our case,” Chandler said. “Hopefully (other couples) won't have to go through as much as we did.”

Earlier this week, Tennessee's Court of Appeals for a second time struck down a judge's ruling in a child custody agreement that prevented Chandler and Mary Counce, her partner of more than 10 years, from living together.

Angel Chandler used to live in Gibson County, Tenn., but now shares a home with Counce in Black Mountain.

The so-called paramour clause was first imposed in May 2008 by Gibson County Chancellor George Ellis, prohibiting overnight stays by Counce. The restriction was not requested by Chandler's ex-husband and came despite a psychological evaluation finding no harm to their children, who are now ages 17 and 15...
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British Lad · Jul 6, 2010

Thank "god" for justice

Lady Gaga · Jul 6, 2010

Well, it's about time.

Landmark legal victory for gay Black Mountain[Tennessee] couple

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