A downtown Mobile church is raising money for a local couple whose fight for parental rights has become a test case in Alabama’s ongoing same-sex marriage battles.
Cari Searcy and Kimberly McKeand, who married in California in 2008, are challenging Alabama’s marriage laws in federal court. Searcy is seeking the right to adopt McKeand’s biological son, Khaya. Alabama does not recognize the couple’s marriage or Searcy’s claim as a legal parent.
A decision from the federal Circuit Court is expected soon. Whatever the outcome, the losing side is expected to appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Open Table United Church of Christ is hosting a fundraiser for the family on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Bernheim Hall in the Ben May branch of the Mobile Public Library downtown. The event will screen “Cloudburst,” an award-winning film from writer and director Thom Fitzgerald starring Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker.
The movie starts at 3:30 p.m., but attendees are invited to arrive at 3 p.m. for wine, cheese and a chance to meet Searcy and McKeand. A suggested donation of $10 per person is requested. Those unable to attend can contribute through the couple’s website.