Lesbian mother's custody

of 3 children is removed

RAVENNA (P)

T

A Port-

age County judge has removed three school-aged children from custody of their mother, an avowed lesbian, but said his decision did not mean a lesbian mother was unfit to raise children.

Common Pleas Judge Albert Caris placed the children, a girl and two boys, aged 5 to 10, temporarily in their grandmother's care.

The children were living with their mother, Larraine Townend. 31, since last fall when she and her husband. Kenneth, 35,

separated.

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machine

Townend, operator, filed for divorce last summer and sought custody of the children, contending his wife's lifestyle created an unwholesome environment for them.

During three days of testimony, Mrs. Townend told the court she lived with a woman and intended to continue doing so.

The judge said if she had indicated she would abandon the life-style while the children were young, "the court might have been

tempted to experiment with keeping the children in her care."

Judge Caris said he feared the possible effect of ridicule on the children if they stayed with their mother.

The judge ruled Townend was not a suitable father, but granted the divorce on grounds of extreme cruel ty. The children were placed with Townend's 65year-old mother.

Mrs. Townend's lawyer said she would fight the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary.