Finally, I have discussed this case at the court house and was surprised to find out just how much the women's dress, hair and lack of makeup is affecting perception of the case. A woman attorney told me "The real crime is the way those women dress." A female clerk expressed the same sentiment.
It seems that people relate to people who are more like them than not. Unfortunately many people can't relate to these women as real mothers... and so its easier not to feel their pain or recognize that Govt is trampling parental rights.
I think they would be well-served to get themselves an assertive female spokesperson who doesn't look like them.