Plaintiff in Jones v. Barlow Says Her Fight Has Ended

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Earlier this year, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that an estranged lesbian partner does not have visitation rights of her ex-partner's child simply because the two shared parenting duties while they were together. The plaintiff in the Jones v. Barlow case says she has no plans to appeal to the nation's highest court.

"My fear is that it would just cause a bigger problem," says Keri Jones. "The federal court is not swayed toward our side. Just imagine what it did on the local level to the families below me. Having that kind of ruling on a national level would be horrific. The whole thing is probably just not a good idea."

Jones says she is also concerned about the effect any further legal battles would have on the child she calls her daughter. Others involved in similar situations are already feeling the fallout of Jones v. Barlow. Gina Herrera and her ex-partner had nearly agreed upon a visitation schedule when the court rendered its decision. Herrera's ex then took visitation of their child away, despite a contract to protect Herrera's rights that was drawn up prior to the birth of the child. Herrera hopes the court will decide in her favor.

"Everything I'm hearing now is that we have a pretty good chance," says Herrera. "My case was heard almost two months ago and they are still reviewing everything. So to me that's a good sign they aren't just throwing it out immediately. And as far as any decision that comes up, I'll take it as far as I can comfortably take it."

A fundraising event to raise money for women fighting similar legal battles is set for tomorrow night at Static Salon at 380 West Pierpont at 7pm.

A longer conversation with Herrera and Jones can be heard by downloading the podcast of today's Midday Metro.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW