Same-sex adoption

LGBT parenting

Main article: LGBT parenting

Prevalence of adoption

Statistics on the prevalence of adoption by same-sex couples across countries where it is legal are not consistently available.

In 2022, 1 in 6 adoptions in England were by same-sex couples. This number was a 17.4% rise from the previous year.

In the United States, as of 2024, 18% of all LGBTQ people (~2.57 million adults) parent children in their homes, with 14% of same-sex couples (167,000) parenting a minor in their homes. 21% of same-sex couples adopt which is a much higher rate than in different-sex couples (3%).

Quality of life outcomes

A common argument against the legalization of same-sex adoption is that children adopted by same-sex couples would have poorer quality of life outcomes. Overall, scientific research indicates that the children of same-sex couples fare just as well as the children of different-sex couples.

A 2004 study concluded that the sexual orientation of parents did not predict better or poorer "adoptive family functioning, adopted child's behavior, and parent's perceptions of helpfulness from family support networks".

A 2010 study evaluated the outcomes of young adopted children who had been placed in one of 56 lesbian and gay households since infancy. The study found no significant associations between parental sexual orientation and child adjustment.

Research published in 2009 studied 1,384 children with either heterosexual or same-sex adoptive parents and concluded that problematic behavior in children was not dependent on whether they had same-sex or opposite sex parents. The study also found that "adoptive parents are likely to encounter similar challenges in terms of risk factors for child behavioral problems and mitigating factors of such behavior."

A 2016 study of adopted children of same-sex parents showed that they perceive themselves to be more accepting, understanding and compassionate than children of different-sex parents. The children in the study also indicated that they often avoid sharing that their parents are lesbian or gay, and that many experience bullying or teasing.

Debate

Arguments

The adoption of children by LGBT people is an issue of active debate. In the United States, for example, legislation to prevent adoption by LGBT people has been introduced in many jurisdictions; such efforts have largely been defeated. Prior to 1973, state courts commonly barred gay and lesbian individuals from holding a parenting role, especially through adoption.

Major professional organizations have made statements in defense of adoption by same-sex couples. The American Psychological Association has supported adoption by same-sex couples, citing social prejudice as harming the psychological health of lesbians and gays while noting there is no evidence that their parenting causes harm. The American Medical Association has issued a similar position supporting second parent adoption by same-sex partner, stating that lack of formal recognition can cause health-care disparities for children of same-sex parents.

The following arguments are made in support of adoption by LGBT parents:

• The right of a child to have a family, guardians or people who can take care of their wellbeing.
• Human rights – child's and parent's right to have a family life.
• There are almost no differences between children raised by same-sex or straight couples. For that reason, sexual orientation of the parents has almost no relevance when it comes to raising a child.
• Evidence confirming that, despite the claims of those opposed to LGBT+ parenting, same-sex couples can provide good conditions to raise a child.
• For children, adoption is a better alternative to orphanage.
• Fewer formalities for step-parents in everyday life, as well as the situation of a death of a biological parent of a child.

Public opinion

Legal status

]] Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in the following 39 countries, Mexico in some states:

• Andorra (2014)
• Argentina (2010)
• Australia (first jurisdiction 2002, last jurisdiction 2018)
• Austria (2016)
• Belgium (2006)
• Brazil (2010)
• Canada (first jurisdiction 1996, last jurisdiction 2011)
• Chile (2022)
• Colombia (2015)
• Costa Rica (2020)
• Croatia (2022)
• Cuba (2022)
• Denmark (2010)
  • Greenland (2016)
  • Faroe Islands (2017)
• Estonia (2024)
• Finland (2017)
• France (2013)
• Germany (2017)
• Greece (2024)
• Iceland (2006)
• Ireland (2016)
• Israel (2023)
• Liechtenstein (2023)
• Luxembourg (2015)
• Malta (2014)
• Netherlands (2001)
• New Zealand (2013)
• Norway (2009)
• Portugal (2016)
• Slovenia (2022)
• South Africa (2002)
• Spain (2005)
• Sweden (2003)
• Switzerland (2022)
• Taiwan (2023)
• Thailand (2025)
• United Kingdom
  • England and Wales (2005)
  • Scotland (2009)
  • Northern Ireland (2013)
• United States (first jurisdiction 1993, last jurisdiction 2017)
• Uruguay (2009)

Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in the following subnational jurisdictions or dependent territories:

• UK Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories:
  • Bermuda (2015)
  • Cayman Islands (2019)
  • Gibraltar (2014)
  • Guernsey (2017)
  • Isle of Man (2011)
  • Jersey (2012)
  • Pitcairn Islands (2015)
  • Falkland Islands (2017)
  • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (2017)
• Mexico:
  • Aguascalientes (2019)
  • Baja California (2017)
  • Baja California Sur (2022)
  • Campeche (2016)
  • Chiapas (2017)
  • Chihuahua (2017)
  • Coahuila (2014)
  • Colima (2016)
  • Durango (2022 -- prohibition never existed)
  • Jalisco (2019)
  • Hidalgo (2019)
  • Mexico City (2010)
  • Michoacán (2016)
  • Morelos (2016)
  • Nayarit (2019)
  • Nuevo Leon (2019)
  • Puebla (2017)
  • Querétaro (2017)
  • Quintana Roo (2022)
  • San Luis Potosí (2019)
  • Tamaulipas (prior to 2022 -- there is no prohibition)
  • Veracruz (2016)
• Caribbean Netherlands (2012)

The following countries permit step-child adoption in which the partner in a relationship can adopt the natural and/or the adopted child of his or her partner:

• San Marino (2018)

• Czechia (2025)

Step-child adoption is legal in the following subnational jurisdictions or dependent territories:

• Hong Kong (2021)

In Italy step-child adoption can only be recognized by court order since 2016.

Africa

South Africa

South Africa is the only African country to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples. The 2002 decision of the Constitutional Court in the case of Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development amended the Child Care Act, 1983 to allow both joint adoption and step-parent adoption by "permanent same-sex life partners". The Child Care Act has since been replaced by the Children's Act, 2005, which allows joint adoption by "partners in a permanent domestic life-partnership", whether same- or opposite-sex, and step-parent adoption by a person who is the "permanent domestic life-partner" of the child's current parent. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006, and is equivalent to opposite-sex marriage for all purposes, including adoption.

Americas

]]

]]

Argentina

Argentina allows adoption by same and different-sex marriages, and even by single people, since 2010. The law makes no difference in the requirements for adoption for any of these.

Canada

Canada has no nation-wide law legalizing same-sex adoption, but rather has smaller provincial laws that cover the entire nation. Same-sex adoption legalization in Canada began with British Columbia in 1996 and was finalized with Nunavut in 2011. By 2013, an Ipsos Global poll showed 70% of Canadians approved of same-sex adoption to some degree with 45% strongly approving.

Chile

Since March 10, 2022 joint parenthood of same-sex couples is legal in Chile after the entry into force of Law 21,400 on Equal Marriage, which explicitly guarantees non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity for custody purposes, filiation and adoption whether or not the couples are married or whether or not they had their children through assisted human fertilization. The law amends the Civil Code to recognize the parents of children as their mother and/or father, their two mothers, or their two fathers.

A 2021 survey, shows that 65% of Chileans support same-sex adoption.

Colombia

On 4 November 2015, in a 6-2 Constitutional Court ruling, Colombia decided to allow adoption by LGBT peoples. The ruling came before same-sex marriage became legal in the country on 28 April 2016.

Cuba

Cuba allows adoption by same-sex marriages (since September 2022 referendum) and different-sex marriages, and even by single people.

Honduras

As of May 2019, the Honduras Supreme Court is expected to rule on a decision regarding both same-sex marriage and adoption.

Mexico

Same-sex couples are able to adopt in Mexico City (since 2010), Coahuila (2014), Campeche (2016), Colima (2016), Michoacán (2016), Morelos (2016), Veracruz (2016), Baja California (2017), Chihuahua (2017), Querétaro (2017), Puebla (2018), Chiapas (2018), Nayarit (2019), Aguascalientes (2019), Hidalgo (2019), San Luis Potosí (2019), Quintana Roo (2022), Yucatan (2022), Durango (2022), Tamaulipas (2022), Guerrero (2022), Nuevo Leon (2023), Tabasco (2024).

In Mexico City, the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District passed legislation on 21 December 2009 enabling same-sex couples to adopt children. Eight days later, Head of Government ("Mayor") Marcelo Ebrard signed the bill into law, which officially took effect on 4 March 2010.

On 24 November 2011, the Coahuila Supreme Court struck down the state's law barring same-sex couples from adopting, urging the state's legislature to amend the adoption law as soon as possible. On 12 February 2014, the state's congress overwhelmingly approved the measure more than two years following the supreme court decision.

On 3 February 2017 the SCJN emitted tesis 08/2017 in which it is stated that the family of the LGBT community doesn't end with a couple, but that it also extends onto the right to have and raise children. Therefore, LGBT couples wishing to form a family and adopt children will be legally protected and can't be limited by any governmental entity.

In October 2021, a bill was introduced to the legislature of Baja California Sur.

In September 2022, a bill was passed in Quintana Roo.

United States

Main article: LGBT adoption in the United States

In 1979, Reverend John Kuiper of the Metropolitan Community Church and his husband became the first gay men in America to win the right to adopt a child. Adoption by LGBT individuals or same-sex couples is legal in all fifty states as of June 2017.

Uruguay

A government-sponsored adoption law in Uruguay allowing LGBT adoption was approved by the lower house on 28 August 2009, and by the Senate on 9 September 2009. In October 2009, the law was signed by President and took effect. According to Equipos Mori Poll's, 53% of Uruguayans are opposed to same sex adoption against 39% that support it. Interconsult's Poll made in 2008 says that 49% are opposed to same sex adoption against 35% that support it.

Asia

LGBT rights for adoption of children in Asia are almost nonexistent, except in Israel, Thailand, and Taiwan. Some Asian countries still criminalize same-sex activities and do not have anti-discrimination laws, which are obstacles for legislating for LGBT adoption.

Israel

The issue of same-sex adoption has been the subject of a long-running political and legal battle in Israel that was resolved in December 2023, when the Israeli Supreme Court interpreted existing law to allow same-sex adoptions, as the law gives absolute priority to the welfare of the child and not to the gender of its parents.

]]

Taiwan

Until 2023, members of same-sex couples could only adopt the biological child of their spouse (so-called stepchild adoptions). Taiwan law allowed for opposite-sex married people to jointly adopt, and also allowed single individuals to adopt, depending on the circumstances, including individual LGBT people. The same-sex marriage law only granted same-sex couples the right to adopt children genetically related to one of the spouses.

Europe

Main article: LGBT adoption in Europe

]]

In February 2006, France's Court of Cassation ruled that both partners in a same-sex relationship can have parental rights over one partner's biological child. The result came from a case where a woman tried to give parental rights of her two daughters to her partner, with whom she was in a civil union. In the case of adoption, however, in February 2007, the same court ruled against a lesbian couple where one partner tried to adopt the child of the other partner. The court stated that the woman's partner cannot be recognized unless the mother withdrew her own parental rights. On 17 May 2013, French President François Hollande signed into law the bill that opened marriage and adoption rights linked to it for same sex couples.

In 1998, a nursery school teacher from Lons-le-Saunier, living as a couple with another woman, had applied for an authorization to adopt a child from the département (local government) of Jura. The adoption board recommended against the authorization because the child would lack a paternal reference, and thus the president of the département ruled against the authorization. The case was appealed before the administrative courts and ended before the Council of State, acting as supreme administrative court, which ruled against the woman. The European Court of Human Rights concluded that these actions and this ruling were a violation of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights taken in conjunction with Article 8.

On 2 June 2006, the Icelandic Parliament unanimously passed a proposal accepting adoption, parenting and assisted insemination treatment for same-sex couples on the same basis as heterosexual couples. The law went into effect on 27 June 2006.

In Bulgaria, according to the Ministry of Justice the laws regarding adoption "lack a norm, concerning the sexual orientation of the individuals". Therefore, a single gay person or same-sex couples may adopt.

On 17 May 2013, the Portuguese parliament approved a bill in first reading allowing "co-adoption" of the biological or adopted child of the same-sex spouse or partner, where that spouse or partner is the only legally recognized parent of the child (e.g. the mother with the natural father not being registered). However, in October 2013 members of parliament opposed to the bill proposed a referendum on the issue and killed a motion to have the second vote in the plenary; the motion on the possible referendum was then considered, but the Constitutional Court declared it unconstitutional. On 14 March 2014, the original bill was rejected in second reading. On 20 November 2015, 5 proposals from several left-wing parties were voted favourably by the new parliament as result of 4 October General Elections.

In July 2014 through Life Partnership Act Croatia recognized an institution similar to step-child adoption called partner-guardian. A partner who is not a biological parent of a child can share parental responsibilities with a biological parent or parents if they agree to it, or if the court decides it is in the best interest of a child. Additionally, a biological parent or parents can temporarily give a partner who is not a biological parent full parental responsibilities. A partner who is not a biological parent can also gain permanent parental responsibilities through an institution of partner-guardian if both biological parents of a child have died, or exceptionally if a second biological parent of a child is unknown, and if the court decides it is in the best interest of a child.

In January 2015, the Constitutional Court of Austria found the existing laws on adoption to be unconstitutional and ordered the laws to be changed by 31 December 2015 to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples in Austria.

On 6 April 2015, the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 passed by Parliament in March 2015 which extends full adoption rights to cohabiting couples and those in civil partnerships was promulgated by the President of Ireland. The law went into effect a year later on 6 April 2016.

On 20 November 2015 the Portuguese Parliament approved; by 141 votes against 87 with 2 abstentions; a diploma presented by all the parties (except the right-wing PàF) to allow same-sex adoption. On 26 January 2016, the conservative Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva vetoed the bill and a week later the Portuguese Parliament overridden the veto. The law went into effect on 1 March 2016.

On 22 June 2016 the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation upheld a lower court's decision to approve a request for a lesbian to adopt her partner's daughter. Prosecutors had appealed against the decision by the Rome court of appeal. Decisions by the supreme court set a precedent.

In December 2020, Hungary explicitly legally banned adoption for same-sex couples within its constitution.

In April 2021, a court in Croatia ruled that same-sex partners have the right to adopt children. In May 2022, the High Administrative Court affirmed the ruling and rejected the appeal of the responsible Ministry.

In June 2022, the Constitutional Court of Slovenia ruled that same-sex partners have the right to jointly adopt. On 4 October 2022, the National Assembly (lower chamber of Slovenian parliament) passed the relevant act implementing this judgement, but a week later, the act was vetoed by the National Council (upper chamber of the parliament). This is to be followed by another vote on the act in the National Assembly and potentially a national referendum.

Estonia and Greece since 2024, allows full-joint adoption of children by same-sex couples - along with same-sex marriage being legalized at the same time.

On 1 January 2025, the Czechia will allow same-sex couples “partial adoption” of their own biological child or children - but not full joint adoption.

Oceania

Australia

In Australia, same-sex adoption is legal in all states and territories since April 2018.

New Zealand

The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013, which came into force on 19 August 2013, allowed same-sex marriage and permitted married same-sex couples to jointly adopt children. Previously, an LGBT individual was able to adopt children, but same-sex couples could not adopt jointly.

Currently, there are no specific barriers preventing an LGBT individual from adopting children, except that male individuals cannot adopt a female child. Same-sex marriage law became effective from 19 August 2013, and since then married same-sex couples were able to adopt children jointly. Unmarried couples of any sex and couples in a civil union can now jointly adopt children, under a New Zealand High Court ruling in December 2015. The ban breached the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. The minimum age to adopt in New Zealand is 20 years for a related child, and 25 years or the child's age plus 20 years (whichever is greater) for an unrelated child.

Summary of laws by jurisdiction

References

References

1. (2006). "Marriage of Same-Sex Couples – 2006 Position Statement Canadian Psychological Association".
2. "Elizabeth Short, Damien W. Riggs, Amaryll Perlesz, Rhonda Brown, Graeme Kane: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Parented Families – A Literature Review prepared for The Australian Psychological Society".
3. "Brief of the American Psychological Association, Kentucky Psychological Association, Ohio Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers Tennessee Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, American Psychoanalytic Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Medical Association as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners".
4. "Key Moments in Fight for Gay Rights".
5. "New Family Social - Adoptions by same-sex couples in England surge 17 per cent in a year [18 November, 2022]".
6. (July 17, 2024). "More than 2.5 million LGBTQ adults are parenting children under the age of 18". [[UCLA]].
7. Herek GM. (2010-08-11). "The Effects of Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership Laws on the Health and Well-being of Children". [[American Medical Association]].
8. "What does the scholarly research say about the well-being of children with gay or lesbian parents?". [[Cornell University]].
9. (2005-09-26). "A Comparative Analysis of Adoptive Family Functioning with Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Parents and Their Children". Journal of GLBT Family Studies.
10. (2010). "Parenting and Child Development in Adoptive Families: Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter?". [[Applied Developmental Science (journal).
11. (2009-11-30). "An Evaluation of Gay/Lesbian and Heterosexual Adoption". Adoption Quarterly.
12. (2017-01-02). "Youth Perspectives on Being Adopted from Foster Care by Lesbian and Gay Parents: Implications for Families and Adoption Professionals". Adoption Quarterly.
13. Starr, Karla. (Winter 1998). "Adoption by Homosexuals: A Look at Differing State Court Opinions". Ariz. L. Rev..
14. Paige, Ruth Ullmann. (August 2005). "Proceedings of the American Psychological Association for the legislative year 2004. Minutes of the meeting of the Council of Representatives 28 & 30 July 2004". American Psychologist.
15. "Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Marriage".
16. (November 2002). "Position Statement: Adoption and Co-parenting of Children by Same-sex Couples".
17. (2005). "Lesbian & Gay Parenting". [[American Psychological Association]].
18. "H-60.940 Partner Co-Adoption, H-65.973 Health Care Disparities in Same-Sex Partner Households "AMA Policy regarding sexual orientation"". Ama-assn.org.
19. [[Mark Joseph Stern]]. (1 August 2014). "Conservatives want to keep gay couples from adopting or fostering kids.". Slate Magazine.
20. "Lesbian and gay couples' rights – adopting children".
21. (15 January 2012). "Why Gay Parents May Be the Best Parents". LiveScience.com.
22. (21 July 2004). "A Lifetime of Communication". Psychology Press.
23. (19 October 2012). "Foster kids do equally well when adopted by gay, lesbian or heterosexual parents, study suggests". [[University of California, Los Angeles]].
24. (29 May 2013). "Homoseksualni rodzice – wywiad z psychologiem".
25. Baiocco, Roberto. (2013). "Attitudes of Italian Heterosexual Older Adults Towards Lesbian and Gay Parenting". Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
26. (2020). "School Outcomes of Children Raised by Same-Sex Parents: Evidence from Administrative Panel Data". American Sociological Review.
27. (4 March 2013). "I've got two dads – and they adopted me". University of Cambridge.
28. Goldberg, Abbie E.. (2007). "(How) Does It Make a Difference? Perspectives of Adults With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Parents". American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.
29. Tanya M. Washington. "Throwing Black Babies Out with the Bathwater: A Child-Centered Challenge to Same-Sex Adoption Bans". 6 Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal.
30. Alicia Erickson Zink. "Adoptive Homes and the Meaning of Family: Implications for Gay and Lesbian Prospective Parents". Journal of Student Social Work.
31. "Legal Issues for Gay and Lesbian Adoption". Findlaw.
32. "Dziecko w rodzinie homoseksualistów. Adopcja to nie problem, wychowanie już tak".
33. "Llei 34/2014, del 27 de novembre, qualificada de les unions civils i de modificació de la Llei qualificada del matrimoni, de 30 de juny de 1995".
34. Marie Trigona. (15 July 2010). "Argentina Passes Gay Marriage Law". Towardfreedom.com.
35. (16 January 2016). "Austrian court rules to allow same-sex adoptions". The Privateer.
36. David Morton Rayside. ''Queer inclusions, continental divisions: public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada and the United States''. University of Toronto Press, 2008. p. 388 (p. 20). {{ISBN. 0-8020-8629-2.
37. (27 April 2010). "Homosexual couples can adopt children, decides to Supreme Court of Justice". Athosgls.com.br.
38. (12 January 2012). "Timeline: Same Sex Rights in Canada". CBC News.
39. (7 December 2021). "Chile aprueba el matrimonio igualitario tras años de espera {{!}} Sociedad {{!}} EL PAÍS".
40. (5 November 2015). "Corte Constitucional da vía libre a adopción gay en Colombia". Eltiempo.Com.
41. (23 July 2022). "Costa Rica family court validated adoption for a same-sex couple".
42. (2022-05-26). "Sud donio povijesnu odluku: Istospolne partnere više se ne smije diskriminirati kod posvajanja djece [Court reaches historic decision, same-sex couples can no longer be discriminated regarding adoption]". Jutarnji list.
43. (27 September 2022). "Cuba Approves Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Vote". The New York Times.
44. (May 5, 2010). "Gays given equal adoption rights".
45. Joseph Patrick McCormick. (27 May 2015). "Parliament in Greenland unanimously approves same-sex marriage". PinkNews.
46. Sean Mandell. (29 April 2016). "Faroe Islands Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption". Towleroad.
47. "Kooseluseadus". [[Riigikogu]].
48. Joe Morgan. (20 February 2015). "Finland president signs gay marriage law – couples will have to wait to get married until 2017". Gay Star News.
49. (18 May 2013). "François Hollande signs same-sex marriage into law – FRANCE". FRANCE 24.
50. (June 30, 2017). "Germany legalises same-sex marriage after Angela Merkel allows free vote".
51. (2024-02-15). "Greece legalises same-sex marriage".
52. David Morton Rayside. ''[[iarchive:queerinclusionsc0000rays/page/388/mode/2up. Queer inclusions, continental divisions: public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada and the United States]]''. University of Toronto Press, 2008. p. 388 (p. 21). {{ISBN. 0-8020-8629-2.
53. Nick Duffy. (2 April 2015). "Irish senators approve same-sex adoption bill". PinkNews.
54. Sharon, Jeremy. (2023-12-28). "High Court rules same-sex adoption must be allowed, in landmark decision".
55. (1 June 2023). "Art. 25 des Partnerschaftsgesetzes in Kraft - Ab heute dürfen auch homosexuelle Paare ein Stiefkind adoptieren).".
56. (17 July 2014). "Le mariage pour tous dès le 1er janvier 2015". L'essentiel.
57. Mémorial (Official Journal of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg). "Réforme du mariage".
58. Curtis M. Wong. (14 April 2014). "Malta Legalizes Gay Partnerships, Adoption Rights". [[HuffPost]].
59. (1 April 2001). "Gay Marriage Goes Dutch". CBS News.
60. (17 June 2008). "Norway passes law approving gay marriage". NBC News.
61. (20 November 2015). "Portugal allows same-sex adoption, artificial insemination". Associated Press.
62. (8 July 2022). "Press release and Decisions U-I-486/20, Up-572/18 and U-I-91/21, Up-675/19 of 16 June 2022". Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia.
63. [[Associated Press]]. (July 9, 2022). "Slovenia: Court strikes bans on same-sex marriages, adoption".
64. (1 October 2002). "South Africa OKs Gay Adoption". Windy City Media Group.
65. Renwick McLean. (1 July 2005). "Spain gives approval to gay unions". The New York Times.
66. (6 June 2002). "Sweden legalises gay adoption". [[BBC News Online]].
67. "Swiss voters back same-sex marriage and adoption by clear majority {{!".
68. (16 May 2023). "Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples". news.com.au.
69. (18 June 2024). "'Monumental step forward': Thailand to become first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage".
70. (30 December 2005). "New Adoption Law Gives Gay Couples Joint Rights". UK Gay News.
71. Ellen Thomas. (20 September 2009). "New legislation sees gay Scottish couples win right to adopt children". Herald Scotland.
72. (11 December 2013). "Gay adoption: Northern Ireland ban lifted". BBC News.
73. "Adoption – Frequently Asked Questions". Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
74. Human Rights Campaign. (2008). "Adoption Laws: State by State".
75. (1 August 2012). "How To Adopt". Mnadopt.org.
76. "Greenwood and Fink (Providence, RI) – all legal services for same-sex adopting couples and more". Lesbiangayadoption.com.
77. Yanina Olivera. (9 September 2009). "Uruguay approves Latin America's first gay adoption law".
78. (27 October 2009). "Uruguay Bill Permitting Same-sex Couples to Adopt Becomes Law". AQ Online.
79. "In The Supreme Court of Bermuda CIVIL JURISDICTION 2014: No. 308".
80. Scott Roberts. (21 March 2014). "Gibraltar approves civil partnerships bill". Pink News.
81. "Guernsey Foster Care: Who can adopt". Guernsey Foster Care.
82. (15 April 2011). "New laws raise hopes for more adoptions in Isle of Man". BBC News.
83. (2 April 2012). "Jersey's civil partnership law comes into force". BBC News.
84. "GayLawNet – Laws – Pitcairn – PN".
85. "Falkland Islands". GayLawNet.
86. "Ascension Island, Saint Helena, and Tristan da Cunha LGBT Laws".
87. (29 March 2018). "Reconoce Amézquita que parejas gay sí pueden adoptar en Aguascalientes".
88. (2022-11-16). "El Congreso de Baja California Sur avala por mayoría de votos la adopción homoparental en el estado".
89. "Adopción por parejas del mismo sexo ya es viable en Campeche".
90. (2017-07-12). "Parejas gay en Chiapas podrán adoptar, acceder a la salud…".
91. Jesús Castro. (12 February 2014). "Ya pueden parejas gay adoptar en Coahuila; PAN vota en contra". Marmor Informa.
92. (June 14, 2016). "Parejas del Mismo Sexo Pueden Adoptar en Colima: funcionario del DIF".
93. (4 March 2010). "Mexico City's gay marriage law takes effect". NBC News.
94. Leticia Florian Arriaga. (24 May 2016). "Con el matrimonio igualitario Michoacán libra una batalla de activismo ideológico y jurídico". Cambio de Michoacán.
95. (13 June 2016). "Abren adopciones a matrimonios gay". Diario de Morelos.
96. Martinez, Andy. (April 26, 2017). "Parejas del mismo sexo pueden adoptar en Querétaro".
97. Ana Flores. (13 September 2022). "Quintana Roo: Personas LGBT+ podrán adoptar gracias a reforma".
98. (22 March 2017). "Adopción, sin veda a matrimonios igualitarios: Valdés".
99. Victoria, El Diario de. (2022-10-25). "Matrimonio igualitario, de la polémica a la realidad - El Diario de Ciudad Victoria".
100. "Sin adoptar parejas del mismo género".
101. (1 January 2011). "Invoeringswet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba".
102. "LAW November 20, 2018 n.147 - Regulation of civil unions".
103. Mogul, Rhea. (11 June 2021). "'A huge relief': Hong Kong's LGBT+ community hails court ruling granting parental rights for same-sex partners - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP".
104. Chan, Kelly. "One Step Forward: Securing Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Couples in Hong Kong {{!}} OHRH".
105. "Hong Kong e-Legislation".
106. Elena Tebano. (22 June 2016). "Gay, Cassazione: sì alla stepchild adoption per il secondo genitore".
107. (10 September 2002). "Lesbians, gays can adopt children". news24.
108. Lynley Donelly. (2008). "A Media Guide to the Children's Act 38 of 2005". Centre for Child Law; Media Monitoring Project.
109. "CNN.com - Gay couple wins S. Africa ruling - Dec 1, 2005".
110. (12 July 2019). "Adopción". Código Civil y Comercial.
111. (1995-07-04). "Adoption Act: BILL 51 -- 1995".
112. (2012-08-29). "Consolidation of Adoption Act, SNWT (Nu) 1998, c 9".
113. Montero, Darrel. (Fall 2014). "Attitudes Toward Same-Gender Adoption and Parenting: An Analysis of Surveys from 16 Countries". Advances in Social Work.
114. "LEY NÚM. 21.400 MODIFICA DIVERSOS CUERPOS LEGALES PARA REGULAR, EN IGUALDAD DE CONDICIONES, EL MATRIMONIO ENTRE PERSONAS DEL MISMO SEXO".
115. (2021). "Matrimonio igualitario y adopción homoparental alcanzan su mayor respaldo ciudadano en la encuesta Cadem".
116. (4 November 2015). "Colombia High Court Rules for Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples". The New York Times.
117. (28 April 2016). "Colombia legalizes same-sex marriage". DW.
118. Postema, Mirte. (2019-05-23). "LGBT Hondurans March Against Hate: Activists Call for Gender Identity Law, Equal Marriage, Adoption".
119. Tracy Wilkinson. (22 December 2009). "Mexico City moves to legalize same-sex marriage". Los Angeles Times.
120. Tracy Wilkinson. (29 December 2009). "Gay marriage closer to reality in Mexico". Los Angeles Times.
121. José Reyes. (28 November 2011). "Adopción gay será posible en Coahuila". Vanguardia.
122. (2 June 2017). "Aprueba SCJN derecho a la vida familiar para parejas LGBTI".
123. "Morena buscará que la adopción homoparental sea una realidad en BCS - Primero BCS".
124. (21 June 1979). "Approval Given for Homosexual to Adopt a Boy". The New York Times.
125. (28 August 2009). "Uruguay votes to allow gay adoptions". Melbourne Herald Sun.
126. Carrie Craft. "Gay Adoption Basics". About.com.
127. (28 December 2023). "High Court rules same-sex adoption must be allowed, in landmark decision | The Times of Israel".
128. "I24NEWS".
129. (22 February 2019). "Taiwan's Cabinet passes same-sex marriage bill".
130. "Court of Cassation, Civil Chamber 1, of February 24, 2006, 04-17.090, Published in the bulletin".
131. (20 February 2007). "04-15676". Legifrance.gouv.fr.
132. (20 February 2007). "06-15647". Legifrance.gouv.fr.
133. Angela Charlton. (18 May 2013). "French President Signs Gay Marriage Into Law". Washington Post.
134. (22 January 2008). "E.B. v. France". European Court of Human Rights.
135. link. (17 May 2019)
136. (22 January 2008). "France chided over gay adoption". BBC News.
137. "Frequently asked question – adoptions from Bulgaria". Family National Association.
138. "Adoption from Bulgaria Family National Association Adoption from Bulgaria". Family National Association.
139. (October 25, 2013). "Conservadores barram direito de adoção a casais gays".
140. "Assambleia da República – Status of Bill 278/XII". Portuguese Parliament.
141. "Assambleia da República – Status of Draft Resolution 857/XII".
142. "Decision 176/2014".
143. "Zakon o životnom partnerstvu osoba istog spola".
144. (14 January 2015). "Adoptionsverbot für homosexuelle Partner aufgehoben". Vienna Online.
145. (14 January 2015). "Österreich: Adoptionsverbot für Homo-Paare verfassungswidrig". Queer.de.
146. (31 March 2015). "Seanad passes Child & Family Relationship Bill". RTÉ.ie.
147. "Seanad Éireann – 30/Mar/2015 Prelude". [[Oireachtas]].
148. (31 March 2015). "What happens next to the Children and Family Relationships Bill?". The Irish Times.
149. "The President: 2015 Legislation".
150. (25 January 2016). "Portugal's outgoing president vetoes gay adoption bill". Yahoo! News.
151. Trudy Ring. (25 January 2016). "Portugal's President Vetoes Adoption Rights for Gay Couples". The Advocate.
152. (10 February 2016). "Portugal parliament overturns veto on adoption by gay couples".
153. (22 June 2016). "Supreme court OKs stepchild adoption (2)".
154. (December 15, 2020). "Hungary Amends Constitution to Redefine Family, Effectively Banning Gay Adoption".
155. Tracy, Matt. (December 17, 2020). "Hungary Bans LGBTQ Adoption Rights in Broad Power Grab".
156. (2021-05-06). "Croatian court backs same-sex adoption in new LGBT+ win". Reuters.
157. [https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/10254-slovenia-legalises-same-sex-marriage-adoptions Total-Slovenia-News: Slovenia Legalises Same-Sex Marriage and Adoptions] {{Webarchive. link. (9 July 2022 , July 8, 2022)
158. (11 October 2022). "Z vetom in podpisi proti zakoniku". Delo.si.
159. (16 February 2024). "Greece legalises same-sex marriage". [[BBC]].
160. "Out in the World: Czech president signs expanded same-sex partnership rights into law — fight for marriage continues :: Bay Area Reporter".
161. Isaac Davidson. (20 April 2013). "Marriage bill leaves a few inequalities to sort out". New Zealand Herald.
162. (6 January 2016). "Same-sex defacto couples secure the right to adopt from GayNZ.com, 12/21/2015". VAW.
163. Stilin, Forrest. (February 7, 2020). "Croatia Constitutional Court: Same Sex Couples Can Be Foster Parents".
164. (13 June 2011). "iDnes.cz: First Czech same-sex couple to foster parent a child". Prague Monitor.
165. Burgos, Andres. (22 May 2023). "Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage". Human Rights Watch.
166. (16 December 2020). "Hungary amends its constitution to effectively ban adoption by same-sex couples". Special Broadcasting Service.
167. (22 June 2016). "Cassazione, sì alla stepchild adoption in casi particolari".
168. Claudia Calleja. (16 January 2013). "Consensus over gay adoption welcomed". Times of Malta.
169. (4 October 2016). "Droit de l'adoption Echec du référendum contre l'homoparentalité". Le Matin.
170. (17 June 2016). "Swiss Parliament votes in favour of stepchild adoption". NELFA.