Author Archives: Melissa Luhtanen

About Melissa Luhtanen

Melissa Luhtanen is a lawyer and a Human Rights Educator at the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. Melissa was called to the Alberta Bar in 2000. She is a seasoned teacher of both provincial and federal human rights law, with extensive experience speaking to audiences that include judges, teachers, and corporate executives. Melissa is the author of several guidebooks for teachers about human rights issues including, freedom of expression, refugee rights, and sexual orientation and gender identity rights.

Court of Appeal Reaffirms Gay, Non-bio Dad’s Status as Legal Parent

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Melissa Luhtanen

PDF version: Court of Appeal Reaffirms Gay, Non-bio Dad’s Status as Legal Parent Case commented on: DWH v DJR, 2013 ABCA 240. This case began to wind its way through the courts when Mr. H. and Mr. R. split up. … Continue reading →

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Non-Biological Father from Separated Same-Sex Couple Declared a Legal Parent

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Melissa Luhtanen

By: Melissa Luhtanen PDF Version: Non-biological Father from Separated Same-Sex Couple Declared a Legal Parent  Case Commented On: D.W.H. v D.J.R., 2011 ABQB 608 Background Mr. H. and Mr. R. lived together as partners and planned to have a baby … Continue reading →

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No Advance Costs Awarded on Charter Application

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Melissa Luhtanen

PDF version: No Advance Costs Awarded on Charter Application Case considered: D.W.H. v D.J.R., 2011 ABQB 119 Mr. H. and Mr. R. lived together as partners and planned to have a baby through a surrogate mother. The baby lived with … Continue reading →

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The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal’s Marriage Commissioners Decision – The Never-Ending Fight for Human Rights of Same-Sex Couples

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Melissa Luhtanen

By: Melissa Luhtanen PDF Version: The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal’s Marriage Commissioners Decision – The Never-Ending Fight for Human Rights of Same-Sex Couples Case and Legislation Commented On: In the Matter of Marriage Commissioners Appointed under the Marriage Act, SS 1995, … Continue reading →

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Gay fathers not seen as a parental unit under the Family Law Act

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Melissa Luhtanen

Cases Considered: D.W.H. v. D.J.R., 2009 ABQB 438 PDF Version: Gay fathers not seen as a parental unit under the Family Law Act The law is still unclear when dealing with gay and lesbian parental units. These families slip through … Continue reading →

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