Julius Tannen, the actor, because he is a Jew, will not be allowed the custody of Martin (“Red”) Ritter, the eleven-year-old youngster whom the Tannen family wished to adopt, according to a decision handed down in Children’s Court on Friday. Mr. Tannen will bear all the financial responsibilities when Martin, who is a Roman Catholic, is placed in a Catholic family.
The law states that in adopting a child “commitment must be made when practical to an institution or a family or a person of the same religious faith or persuasion as that of the child.” Judge Boyle said that there was no alternative.
The case was decided behind closed doors in Judge Boyle’s ante-room. Judge Boyle afterward explained the law and praised Mr. Tannen’s attitude which he termed wholly altruistic.
Martin is to be intrusted to the care of Mrs. Mae Hundrickson, of Laurelton, identified for many years with the work of the Children’s Court. She is to find a home for him.
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