Madrid, Spain, Jan 9, 2009 / 00:07 am
Various pro-life and pro-family organizations in Spain have banded together to form a support group for Judge Ferrin Calamita, who sits on the bench in Murcia and was sued for alleged discrimination against a lesbian who wanted to adopt the underage daughter of her partner.
Judge Fernando Ferrin Calamita was accused of illegally delaying a request for adoption by the couple for six months. He was sentenced to two years, three months and one day of unemployment or public office, plus a fine of $8,000 payable to the plaintiffs. He must also pay for all the court costs, which could reach $13,600.
According to leaders of the new group, Judge Ferrin, a husband and father of seven, is in a dire situation, as he has been barred from the bench for two years, stripped of employment and salary and is not allowed to receive any pay for work.
For this reason, groups such as the Thomas Moore Center for Justice, the civil rights website HazteOir.org, and Professionals for Ethics and Hispanidad.com created the Judge Ferrin Calamita Support Network to raise funds to help him pay for the fines, court proceedings and the needs of his family.