Utah to challenge judge's order to take baby from lesbian foster parents

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah state officials are challenging a decision made by a Utah judge to a take a baby away from lesbian foster parents and place her with a heterosexual couple for the child's well-being.

Utah Division of Child and Family Services said in a news release Thursday afternoon that they will go to an appeals court if state juvenile Judge Scott Johansen doesn't rescind his decision.

The state agency says the judge went against its recommendation that the baby should stay with April Hoagland and Beckie Peirce, a married couple in Price, Utah.

In his decision, Johansen mentioned research that shows children do better when raised by heterosexual families.

Johansen is barred from commenting on the case.

The decision has generated widespread criticism, including from LGBT groups and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.