An American couple, who married in New York in 2015, is suing the government after it refused to recognise their daughter as an U.S citizen.
Derek Mize and Jonathan Gregg had their daughter Simone via a surrogate in 2018 that lived in England. Despite having both their names listed on the birth
certificate, the US consulate in London rejected their application recognition of her US citizenship.
Unfortunately, the State Department is disregarding same-sex couple’s marriage and the U.S. government requires more stringent paperwork and proof when defining same-sex parenthood. This is making it near to impossible for gay couples to bring their children into the U.S.
“Becoming Simone’s fathers has been the greatest privilege of our lives,” said the married men in a statement.
“Her beautiful voice, her hugs, her toddling around the house – these are daily blessings in our home. We are filing this litigation today because, as her parents, we have a duty to protect our daughter”.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mize said: “Suing your government on behalf of your daughter is a really sad way to spend time. It’s sad because fighting our government has already stolen away precious moments we could have relaxed with Simone. It’s sad because fighting our government strains our
health, our relationships, and our careers. And it is sad because, even if we win, we will always have to tell Simone’s story with this beginning – She was too unique, too loved, too fabulous to be understood by her government in 2019”.
A lawsuit has been filed by Immigration Equality and Lambda Legal in which they allege that the State Department is violating the Immigration and Nationalization Act and not respecting the couple’s constitutional rights.
Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality and one of the couples’ attorneys said, “The State Department’s policy is not only cruel, it is unconstitutional. The fight for marriage equality is not over, and we will not stand down until the State Department changes its unlawful policy”.
To support Simone’s parents in helping to bring her home a petition has been launched calling on the State Department to change its discriminatory policy.
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