No one has to tell me about the discrimination and injustice of adoption laws in Ohio. But maybe you didn't know--there are adopted citizens born in Ohio who are discriminated against and then there are regular type citizens, who have all the usual rights. And the adopted citizens are in 3 classes, 2 free, and one in bondage:
The Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, houses birth and adoption records of persons born in Ohio and adopted anywhere in the United States. Below is the list of Adoption laws and procedures that are used in Ohio:
•Adoptions Prior to January 1, 1964 - Adoption records open to people who were born and adopted in Ohio, with proper identification.
•Adoptions Between January 1, 1964 and September 18, 1996 - Adoption records are sealed and only opened by a probate court order (H.B. 84)
•Adoptions After September 18, 1996 - Adoption records are open to adoptive parents when the adopted person is between 18-21 years of age. If the adopted person is 21 years or older, the records are open to the adoptee. Records will only be opened if the required documentation and releases are on file.
Why should someone born in 1996 or 1957 have more rights than someone born in 1964 or 1995? Supposedly, it's about privacy, about promises made to some nameless person 30-50 years ago. I don't believe that. I say, follow the money. Someone in the legislature in 1963, or someone with money and influence, didn't want to be found, was afraid for his reputation or feared his "legal" children would face an inheritance challenge at some point in the future. If you have a better answer, I'd like to hear it justify such an unfair, discriminatory law that crosses all races (except American Indians who have special rights of their own), genders, life-styles, religions and economic classes.
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics/legalinfo/adoption.aspx
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