Gay Couple Sues FL Over Birth Certificates

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) _ The first couple issued a same-sex marriage license in Florida is suing the state, saying that its Bureau of Vital Statistics still won’t allow hospitals to list both same-sex parents on birth certificates.

Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello filed the lawsuit Thursday in federal court in Tallahassee. Pareto and Arguello recently had twins. Two other married, same-sex couples also are part of the lawsuit.

The gay-rights group Equality Florida says the lawsuit challenges Florida’s refusal to issue accurate birth certificates listing both spouses as parents of their children.

The state Department of Health says it does not generally comment on pending litigation.

Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage ended Jan. 6.