Congratulations Mary and Heather!

The American Progress Action Report summarized the joyful news of Mary Cheney and Heather Poe:

The Washington Post reported yesterday that Mary Cheney and her partner of 15 years, Heather Poe, are expecting a baby. The right wing is already on the attack. Janice Crouse of Concerned Women for America told reporters the pregnancy was "unconscionable," and that it was "very disappointing that a celebrity couple like this would deliberately bring into the world a child that will never have a father." Carrie Gordon Earll of the James Dobson-led Focus on the Family said, "Just because you can conceive a child outside a one-woman, one-man marriage doesn't mean it's a good idea." As residents of Virginia, Cheney and Poe will also face discrimination due to state law. According to Equality Virginia, "While there are no specific Virginia laws addressing the custody and adoption rights of gays and lesbians, Virginia courts have routinely discriminated against gays and lesbians by finding that the parent's status as gay or lesbian is not in the 'best interests' of the child." The result, says Jennifer Chrisler of Family Pride, is that Poe will "have no legal relationship with her child. She can't adopt as a second parent. She won't have her name on the birth certificate." Asked what the couple could do to give Poe some legal rights as a parent, Chrisler advised: "Move to Maryland."

Funny how "Christians" can take a joyous advent period and demonize it! My husband and I didn't conceive until 15 years into our relationship. I wish Mary and Heather the best of luck as "older" parents. Enjoy the ride! (And move to Maryland!)