The U.S. Supreme Court Monday refused to hear a constitutional challenge to Florida's ban on adoption by gays and lesbians.

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Florida is the only state that specifically bans gay adoption, but judges in a broad number of states have blocked such procedures.

In the case before the court out of Key West, Fla., Steven Lofton and Roger Croteau have been partners for 20 years. They also have raised a 13-year-old Florida foster child, identified only as "John Doe," since he was a baby.

Other challengers include Douglas Houghton Jr., a critical care nurse who wants to adopt a 13-year-old boy, "John Roe," he raised for nine years.

Wayne LaRue Smith and Daniel Skahen of Key West have been together 11 years. They want to adopt a child placed in their foster care by the state.

The Florida law banning gay adoption was enacted in 1977 at the height of singer Anita Bryant's campaign against homosexuals.