Tagged: adoption

Utah Senator Mike Lee says he’ll actively block any new gun control legislation, the Utah Supreme Court hears arguments in a controversial adoption case, and Salt Lake City wrestles with increasing fees to use the city’s athletic fields.

The Utah Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the appeal of Christopher Carlton, a Pennsylvania man whose baby was given up for adoption in Utah against his will. 

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar steps down, the Utah Supreme Court puts a hold on the reunion of Terry Achane and his 2-year-old daughter, and Utah women continue to trail their male counterparts in college graduation rates.

South Carolina Army drill sergeant Terry Achane thought he would be reunited with his 2-year-old daughter in Provo Wednesday, but it didn’t turn out that way.  The Utah Supreme Court put a temporary hold on a lower court judge’s order giving Achane custody of his daughter. 

Achane’s daughter Teleah was placed for adoption at birth without his consent or knowledge.  After months of litigation, Achane’s attorney Mark Wiser says his client was en route to Provo for a hearing in 4th District Court where he expected to finally gain custody of his daughter.

A ruling is expected shortly in the case of Jake Strickland - a Utah father who has been trying for almost two years to gain custody of his child.  Strickland’s son Jack was put up for adoption by the child’s mother.  2nd District Judge David Hamilton held a hearing in the case Wednesday, and said he would deliver a ruling soon.  

Jake Strickland told KUER he wants an answer.

“It feels like it’s dragging on and on and right now, I don’t see an end to it,” said Strickland, “but as long as I have to keep fighting I will.”

The Utah Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Florida father who did not want his daughter put up for adoption here.  The Court found that Utah’s adoption law was "constitutionally defective" in this case.