R.I. bars LDS adoptee from his birth records

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — An adoptee has no right to gain access to his birth records simply because his LDS beliefs compel him to learn about his ancestors, the state Supreme Court ruled.

Philip Sabatino, 34, of Erie, Pa., claimed in court records that according to his faith he "may be saved and exalted after death" if he meets certain requirements, including tracing his ancestry and fulfilling certain obligations to his blood relatives.

But the justices said confidentiality is important to the adoption process, and the man did not show a need to know his parents' names.

In a footnote, the justices added that they doubted they could open records only for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.