In a victory for parents' rights, the Virginia Court of Appeals issued a 3-0 decision rejecting the so-called "de facto" or "psychological" parent doctrine. In Stadter v. Siperko, the court refused to grant visitation to a former same-sex partner over the objections of the child's biological mother. Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief in this case.

This case affirms the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children against the claims of third parties.

The "de facto" or "psychological" parent doctrine has been used by same-sex marriage advocates to undermine the institution of marriage and weaken the rights of parents. This ruling is significant because some courts in other states have granted parental rights to third parties who are not biologically or legally related.

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