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ADELLE M. BANKS
Just when it seemed things couldn't get more acrimonious, the long-running custody case involving Lisa Miller, an evangelical Christian and former lesbian, and her ex-partner, Janet Jenkins, has taken yet another turn.
A judge in Vermont, where the couple entered a civil union in 2000, ordered Miller's arrest so that Jenkins could assume custody of their 7-year-old daughter Isabella after Miller refused visitations and missed court hearings.
Since then, Miller has been on the run and no one can seem to find her. The case has pitted state laws in Vermont against those in Virginia, where Miller lives, and which do not recognize most same-sex relationships.
Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, the powerful Christian law firm that's representing Miller, talked about the case and what Jesus would do in the midst of this unique situation. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: A Vermont judge ordered Lisa Miller's arrest on Feb. 23. Where do things stand? Are you still representing her?
A: We are still representing her. We have not been able to locate her, however.
Q. Is the arrest warrant only effective in Vermont?
A: It's effective in Vermont but it's not effective in other states. The Virginia court has refused to issue an arrest warrant.
Q: Is your firm encouraging her not to appear in court?
A: No. We haven't been able to locate her.
Q: If you could talk to her, what would you consider to be a good legal strategy at this point?
A: We are still pursuing the appeals through the Virginia Court of Appeals. That's not completed yet. That's the last track that we were on when we last communicated to her. And we know that she would want us to pursue that appellate court decision.
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