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RALEIGH -- The N.C. Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday involving an adoption that some attorneys argue could lead to a decision on whether same sex couples can legally adopt in the state.

A hearing is scheduled on lawsuits involving current state Sen. Julia Boseman of Wilmington and her former domestic partner Melissa Jarrel. In 2002, Jarrel gave birth to a son. In 2005, Boseman became the child's second legal parent. Once the two separated, Jarrell claimed the adoption should not have been allowed but the N.C. Court of Appeals upheld the adoption. She appealed the decision to the supreme court.

Boseman is the state's first openly gay senator. She decided not to seek re-election in order to spend more time with her family, but is running for district court judge for New Hanover and Pender counties.