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Gaywired - 18/10/2000
A ten-year-old California boy's grandfather is defying a court order to return him to his own gay son's custody.
Paul Washington, Senior picked up Miguel Washington from the Cathedral City home of Paul Washington, Junior and his partner Tim Forrester on October 6 and neither has been seen since. Washington Sr. left behind a letter from his attorney Bill Hence alleging the men were "actively promoting or influencing a gay lifestyle for the minor."
A temporary custody order was issued for the couple October 9 since Washington Jr. had never formally adopted Miguel despite having cared for him since he was eight days old; on October 13, the judge ordered Miguel's immediate return to Washington Jr. but Washington Sr. has not complied. A further custody hearing is scheduled for December 4.
Miguel is believed to be with relatives in Pennsylvania. He is the son of Washington Jr.'s sister Angelena, a woman with mental disabilities who was impregnated in an assisted-care facility and is herself a ward of the state.
Hence's letter reportedly said the gay couple had violated an agreement that, "There would be no attempts to influence the natural sexual preference of the minor" but "you do not appear to be exposing him to any healthy relationships with heterosexual females."
It also complained that Miguel was attending "gay art class and ballet" instead of playing sports. There has been no clarification of what "gay art class" might mean.
In Riverside County Superior Court Hence took a different tack on Washington Sr.'s behalf, denying that Washington Jr.'s sexual orientation was the issue despite alleging an "improper environment."
He made allegations of child abuse he said originated with Miguel himself, but the judge found no evidence to support them. Deputy District Attorney Tex Ritter, head of Riverside County Child Abduction Unit, said the allegations were so mild that even had they been proven they would not support removal of a child from his home. Washington Sr. claimed to be acting on behalf of Miguel's disabled mother, who was previously declared incompetent to raise him.
Washington Jr. told reporters that Washington Sr. has had little previous contact with Miguel and has never contributed to his financial support. He's convinced that his sexual orientation is the key issue for Washington Sr., who wants to see the boy in a heterosexual household. Washington Jr. and Forrester are experiencing great emotional turmoil at their beloved son's absence, despite Washington Sr.'s telephoned assurance that Miguel is healthy and happy. They're also concerned that whoever is looking after the boy may be unaware of his allergies and his need for asthma medication.
Ritter said that prosecutors are considering charges of child abuse or child endangerment against Washington Sr.
Source : Obtained from gaywired.com
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