WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, today lauded the decision by a Miami, Florida judge that allows a man who has since 2004 acted as a foster parent to two boys to move forward with proceedings to adopt them. Florida currently bans adoption by lesbians and gays through one of the strictest laws in the country. Today, Miami Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman ruled that the ban has "no rational basis."

"Miami Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman has issued a ruling that protects children and strengthens families," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Florida's draconian ban on adoption by lesbian and gay people has for too long deprived children of loving, committed and qualified parents. Today's decision is a first step toward connecting thousands of children in need of loving, permanent families with parents ready and willing to provide them with healthy, stable homes."

Attorneys for the state of Florida say they will appeal today's ruling.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.