Judge Grants Mother Physical Custody in Dispute Involving Same-Sex Household

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A woman who lives with her lesbian lover has won a battle against her estranged husband for physical custody of their two children after a judge ruled that she has “a much greater interest in the welfare of the children.”

The father had argued that the mother’s LBGQT relationship was “immoral and harmful”, to the children ages 14 and five although he could not say that the women had behaved inappropriately in front of the children.

In her decision, Justice Hope Strachan noted that the marriage came to an end because of an adulterous affair with the woman named in the divorce, with whom he still lives and has a child.

The mother alleged that her husband had exposed their teenage son to dosmetic violence and their daughter had developed hair fungus with their father.

The son had also written suicidal notes while living with his paternal grandparents.

The mother alleged that she had to get financial assistance from her family and live-in lover to care for the children because their father was delinquent in child support payments.

Based on the evidence and a recommendation by the Department of Social Services, Justice Hope Strachan granted joint custody to both parents with physical custody to the mother.

The children will spend alternate holidays with each parent and travel costs will be split between them.