Maryland Man Fights Denial Of Visitation Rights Of Child

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland man has asked the state's Court of Appeals to review a lower court's decision that denied him visitation and custody rights to a child.

The Daily Record reports Michael Conover and his former partner made the mutual decision to conceive the child. They later married but divorced following the child's birth.

Conover is a transgender man, but is referred to by feminine pronouns and his former name, Michelle, in documents.

Conover argues he is entitled to custody and visitation rights. He argues that under state law, an individual who assumes the duties of parenting, but is neither the biological or adoptive parent, still has rights.

In August, the Court of Special Appeals held that Conover lacks parental standing noting the lack of state laws governing same-sex divorces.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)