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{{LGBT rights}}
{{LGBT rights}}
'''LGBT adoption''' is the [[adoption]] of children by [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]] and [[transgender]] ([[LGBT]]) people. Adoption by same-sex couples is prohibited by a majority of countries, but this is an area of active debate and a growing number of jurisdictions are allowing it.
'''LGBT adoption''' is the [[adoption]] of children by [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]] and [[transgender]] ([[LGBT]]) people. Adoption by same-sex couples is prohibited by a majority of countries, but this is an area of active debate and a growing number of jurisdictions are allowing it. One of the abuses of LGBT adoption is when "chickenhawk" gays travelto Thailand and adopt 17 year old boys as their homosexual lovers.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==

Revision as of 14:33, 8 December 2010

LGBT adoption is the adoption of children by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Adoption by same-sex couples is prohibited by a majority of countries, but this is an area of active debate and a growing number of jurisdictions are allowing it. One of the abuses of LGBT adoption is when "chickenhawk" gays travelto Thailand and adopt 17 year old boys as their homosexual lovers.

Demographics

Research on child outcomes

The existing body of research includes limited studies that consider the specific case of adoption. Moreover, where studies do mention adoption they often fail to distinguish between outcomes for unrelated children versus those in their original family or step-families, causing research on the more general case of LGBT parenting to be used to counter the claims of LGBT-adoption opponents.[1] One study has addressed the question directly, evaluating the outcomes of adoptees less than 3-years old who had been placed in one of 56 lesbian and gay households since infancy. Despite the small sample and the fact that the children have yet to become aware of their adoption status or the dynamics of gender development, the study found no significant associations between parental sexual orientation and child adjustment, making the results consistent with notions that two parents of the same gender can be capable parents and that parental sexual orientation is not related to parenting skill or child adjustment. The findings point to the positive capabilities of lesbian and gay couples as adoptive parents.[2]

Objections to and support for LGBT adoption

Adoption of children by LGBT people is an issue of active debate. In the United States, for example, legislation to stop the practice has been introduced in many jurisdictions; such efforts have largely been defeated, with the exception of Arkansas Act 1. There is agreement between the debating parties, however, that the welfare of children alone should dictate policy.[1] Supporters of LGBT adoption suggest that many children are in need of homes and claim that since parenting ability is unrelated to sexual orientation, the law should allow them to adopt children.[1] Opponents, on the other hand, suggest that the alleged greater prevalence of depression, drug use, promiscuity and suicide among homosexuals (and alleged greater prevalence of domestic violence) might affect children [3] or that the absence of male and female role models could cause maladjustment.[4] Catholic Answers, a Catholic religious group, in its 2004 report on gay marriage addressed parenting by homosexual partners via adoption or artificial insemination. It pointed to studies finding higher than average abuse rates among heterosexual stepparent families compared with families headed by biological parents.[5][6] The American Psychological Association, however, notes that an ongoing longitudinal study found that none of the lesbian mothers had abused their children. It states that fears of a heightened risk of sexual abuse by gay parents are not supported by research.[7]

A number of 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.[8][9][10] The American Medical Association has issued a similar position supporting same-sex adoption, stating that while there is little evidence against the practice, lack of formal recognition can cause health-care disparities for children of same-sex parents.[11]

A 2006 poll by the Pew Research Center found a close divide on gay adoption among the United States public, while a 2007 poll by CNN and Opinion Research Corp. said 57% of respondents felt gays should have the right to adopt and 40% said they shouldn't.[12] In the United Kingdom in 2007, 64% of people said they thought gay couples should be allowed to adopt and 32% said they shouldn’t. 55% of respondents thought that male couples should be able to adopt and 59% of people thought that lesbian couples should be able to adopt.[13] In Brazil a 2010 poll asked, "Do you support or oppose allowing gay couples to adopt children?" It found that 51% did not and 39% did.[14]

Britain's last Catholic adoption society announced that it would stop finding homes for children if forced by legislation to place children with homosexual couples [15] The Muslim Council of Britain also sided with Catholic adoption agencies on this issue. [16] Catholic Charities of Boston also ended its founding mission of adoption work rather than comply with state laws conflicting with its religious practices[17] An opinion poll conducted in late 2006 at the request of the European Commission indicated Polish public opinion was generally opposed to both same-sex marriage and to adoption by gay couples. The Eurobarometer 66[18] poll found that 74% and 89% of Poles respectively were opposed to same-sex marriage and adoption by gay couples.

Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples around the world.
  Gay adoption legal
  Step-child adoption
  Unknown/Ambiguous or illegal

Full joint adoption by same-sex couples is currently legal in the following countries:

Full joint adoption by same-sex couples is currently legal in the following jurisdictions:

In the following countries, "stepchild-adoption" is permitted, so that the partner in a registered partnership (or unregistered cohabitation in Israel) can adopt the natural (or sometimes even adopted) child of his or her partner:

In the following jurisdictions, "stepchild-adoption" is permitted, so that the partner in a civil union can adopt the natural (or sometimes even adopted) child of his or her partner:

Europe

Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in Europe
  Gay adoption legal
  Stepchild adoption legal
  Gay adoption illegal
  Unknown/Ambiguous, except in Andorra, where gay adoption is legal

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 whom she was in a civil union with.[48] 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.[49][50]

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.[51] 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.[52] 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.[51][53]

On June 2, 2006, the Icelandic Parliament voted for a proposal accepting adoption, parenting and assisted insemination treatment for same-sex couples on the same basis as heterosexual couples. No member of the parliament voted against the proposal. The law went into effect on June 27, 2006.

Middle East

Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in the middle east
  Gay adoption legal
  Gay adoption illegal
  Homosexuality illegal
  Unknown/Ambiguous

A January 2005 ruling of the Israeli Supreme Court allowed stepchild adoptions for same-sex couples. Israel previously allowed limited co-guardianship rights for non-biological parents.[54] Then in February 2008, a court in Israel ruled that same-sex couples are now permitted to adopt a child even if that child is not biologically related to either parent.[55] This marked a watershed in granting equal rights to all gay people in Israel.[55] Isrealli, the official blog of the State of Israel, frequently publishes updates on gay adoption news in Israel. The site also has a complete timeline of gay rights milestones in Israel.

North America

Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in North America
  Gay adoption legal
  Step-child adoption
  Gay adoption illegal
  Unknown/Ambiguous
File:Gay Adoption South America.png
Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in Latin America and the Caribbean
  Gay adoption legal
  Step-child adoption
  Gay adoption illegal
  Homosexuality illegal
  Unknown/Ambiguous

In the U.S., states may restrict adoption by sexual orientation or marital status. However, a federal judge ruled in Adar v. Smith that states must recognize out-of-state adoptions that, if performed in-state would be illegal per the Full Faith and Credit Clause.[56] In the U.S., there are 270,000 children living with same-sex couples. Of these, one-quarter, or 65,000, have been adopted.[57]

Utah and Florida are among the states that historically imposed more stringent restrictions of LGBT adoption. Utah prohibits adoption by "a person who is cohabiting in a relationship that is not a legally valid and binding marriage,"[58] making it legal for single people to adopt, regardless of sexual orientation, so long as they are not co-habitating in non-marital relationships.

In Florida, however, the statute forbidding adoptions by gays was struck down by Judge Cindy Lederman in November 2008. In her opinion, Lederman said the law violated equal protection rights for the children and their prospective gay parents; adding that there was no rational basis to prohibit gay parents from adopting, particularly since the state allowed them to act as foster parents.[59] The state appealed Judge Lederman's decision. On September 22, the Third District Court of Appeals of the State of Florida unanimously upheld the decision of the lower court. The plaintiff in the case and a gay male, Martin Gill, has therefore been allowed to retain parental rights of the two children he adopted with his partner. Acknowledging the fact that the law has been struck down on a statewide basis, Governor Charlie Crist and the head of Florida's Department of Children and Welfare jointly announced on September 22, 2010 that effective immediately the State of Florida will no longer enforce the ban, rendering LGBT adoption legal in Florida.[citation needed]

On November 4, 2008, Arkansas voters approved Act 1, a measure to ban anyone "co-habitating outside of a valid marriage" from being foster parents or adopting children. Although the law could apply to heterosexual couples, it is believed to have been written to target gay couples due to the fact that same-sex marriage is prohibited in that state, thereby making an adoption impossible.[60] Single gay men and lesbians are still allowed to adopt in Arkansas. The law was overturned on April 16, 2010 by state judge Chris Piazza.[61]

As adoptions are mostly handled by local courts in the United States, some judges and clerks accept or deny petitions to adopt on criteria that vary from other judges and clerks in the same state.[62]

In Canada, adoption is within provincial/territorial jurisdiction, and thus the law differs from one province or territory to another. Adoption by same-sex couples is legal in every province and the Northwest Territories.[37][38][39][40] In the Yukon, the law regarding adoption is ambiguous. NDP MP Libby Davies, has campaigned for national uniformity when it comes to same-sex adoption.[citation needed]

In Mexico City, the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District passed legislation on 21 December 2009 enabling same-sex couples to adopt children.[63] Eight days later, Head of Government ("Mayor") Marcelo Ebrard signed the bill into law, which officially took effect on 4 March 2010.[41][64]

South America

In Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay same-sex couples can jointly adopt. A government-sponspored 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.[34] According to Equipos Mori Poll's, 53% of Uruguayans oppose to same sex adoption against 39% that support it. Interconsult's Poll made in 2008 says that 49% oppose to same sex adoption against 35% that support it.[33][65]

In Paraguay, single persons can adopt, but couples are given preference and the latter must be heterosexual. However, if the adoptive parent will adopt as a single parent, sexual orientation per se constitutes no legal impediment.[66]

Oceania

In Australia, same-sex adoption is legal in the Australian Capital Territory,[67] Western Australia[68] and New South Wales,[36] while only stepchild adoption within a registered relationship under the Relationships Act 2003 is possible in Tasmania.[citation needed] The lesbian co-mother or gay co-father(s) can apply to the Family Court of Australia for a parenting order, as 'other people significant to the care, welfare and development' of the child. But the lesbian co-mother and gay co-father(s) will be treated in the same way as a social parent is treated under the law; they will not be treated in the same way as a birth parent.[69] In May 2007, the Victorian Law Reform Commission in Victoria released its final report recommending that the laws be modified to allow same sex couples to adopt children have not been implemented yet, while all other recommendations have been implemented.[70]

In New Zealand, preliminary New Zealand Law Commission reports and white papers have raised the issue already, while Metiria Turei, a Green Party of New Zealand List MP raised the issue in late May 2006.[citation needed] In February 2005, the Greens had suggested that an adoption law reform clause should be added to the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005, which equalized heterosexual, lesbian and gay spousal status in New Zealand law and regulatory policy, apart from the Adoption Act 1955.[citation needed] While the measure was unsuccessful, it remains to be seen whether a reintroduced adoption law reform bill on its own would fare differently.[71]

Summary of laws by jurisdiction

European laws on adoption by same-sex couples
Country LGBT individual may petition to adopt Same-sex couple may jointly petition Same-sex partner may petition to adopt partner's child Same-sex couples are allowed to foster or stepchild foster
Belgium Yes Yes Yes Yes
Denmark Yes Yes Yes Yes
Estonia Yes No No Yes
Finland Yes No Yes Yes
France Yes No Yes Yes
Germany Yes No Yes Yes
Iceland Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ireland Yes No No Yes
Italy No No No No (but singles can exceptionally foster)
Latvia Yes No No No?
Lithuania No (only in exceptional circumstances) No No No
Netherlands Yes Yes Yes Yes
Norway Yes Yes Yes Yes
Poland Yes No No No
Portugal Yes No No No (but singles can foster)
Spain Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sweden Yes Yes Yes Yes
United Kingdom Yes Yes Yes Yes
US States' laws on adoption by same-sex couples[72]
State LGBT individual may petition to adopt Same-sex couple may jointly petition Same-sex partner may petition to adopt partner's child
Alabama Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Alaska Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Arizona Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Arkansas Yes No No
California Yes Yes Yes
Colorado Yes Yes Yes
Connecticut Yes Yes Yes
Delaware Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
District of Columbia Yes Yes Yes
Florida Yes Yes Yes
Georgia Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Hawaii Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Idaho Yes Unclear Unclear
Illinois Yes Yes Yes
Indiana Yes Yes Yes
Iowa Yes Yes Yes
Kansas Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Kentucky Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Louisiana Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Maine Yes Yes Yes
Maryland Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Massachusetts Yes[73] Yes[73] Yes[73]
Michigan Yes No No explicit prohibition
Minnesota Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Mississippi Yes No[74] Unclear[74]
Missouri Yes No[citation needed] No explicit prohibition
Montana Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Nebraska Unclear No explicit prohibition No
Nevada Yes Yes Yes
New Hampshire Yes Yes Yes
New Jersey Yes Yes Yes
New Mexico Yes Unclear[75] In some jurisdictions
New York Yes In some jurisdictions[76][77][78] Yes
North Carolina Yes Unclear Unclear
North Dakota Unclear[79] No explicit prohibition[79] Unclear
Ohio Unclear Unclear In some jurisdictions
Oklahoma Yes[80] No explicit prohibition[80] Unclear
Oregon Yes Yes Yes
Pennsylvania Yes Unclear Yes
Rhode Island[81] Yes[81] No explicit prohibition[81] In some jurisdictions[81]
South Carolina Yes Unclear Unclear
South Dakota Yes Unclear Unclear
Tennessee Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Texas Yes No explicit prohibition In some jurisdictions
Utah Yes No[82] Unclear
Vermont Yes Yes Yes
Virginia Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Washington Yes Yes Yes
West Virginia Yes No explicit prohibition Unclear
Wisconsin Yes Yes[citation needed] Yes[citation needed]
Wyoming Yes Unclear Unclear
Latin American and Caribbean laws on adoption by same-sex couples
Same-sex couple joint petition LGBT individual adoption Same-sex stepparent adoption
Argentina Yes Yes Yes
Brazil Yes Yes Yes
Chile No No No
Colombia No Yes No
Paraguay No No No
Surinam No No No
French Guyana No Yes Yes
Guyana No (Homosexuality illegal) No (Homosexuality illegal) No (Homosexuality illegal)
Belize No (Homosexuality illegal) No (Homosexuality illegal) No (Homosexuality illegal)
Peru No No No
Cuba No No No
Puerto Rico No Yes No
Bolivia No No No
Ecuador No (constitutional ban) No (constitutional ban) No (constitutional ban)
Honduras No (constitutional ban) No (constitutional ban) No (constitutional ban)
El Salvador No No No
Guatemala No No No
Venezuela No No No
Dominican Republic No No No
Nicaragua No No No
Costa Rica No Yes No
Mexico Yes (only Mexico City) Yes Yes (only Mexico City)
Uruguay Yes Yes Yes
Australian laws on adoption by same-sex couples
Same-sex couple joint petition LGBT individual adoption Same-sex stepparent adoption
ACT Yes Yes Yes
New South Wales Yes[36] Yes Yes[36]
Northern Territory No Only in exceptional circumstances No
Queensland No Yes No
South Australia No No No
Tasmania No (under review since 2003) Yes Yes
Victoria No (under review since 2007) Yes Yes
Western Australia Yes Yes Yes

Notes:

  • ^Even a de facto opposite sex couple can not jointly adopt a child under the law of the Northern Territory.
  • ^-^No individual or single people are allowed to adopt a child, only a married or de facto opposite sex couples under the law of South Australia.

See also

Further reading

  • Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth & K. Lee Lerner (eds) (2006). Gender issues and sexuality : essential primary sources. Thomson Gale. ISBN 1414403259. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help) Primary resource collection and readings. Library of Congress. Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
  • Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth & K. Lee Lerner (eds) (2006). Family in society : essential primary sources. Thomson Gale. ISBN 1414403305. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help) Primary resource collection and readings. Library of Congress. Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
  • Stacey, J. & Davenport, E. (2002) Queer Families Quack Back, in: D. Richardson & S. Seidman (Eds) Handbook of Lesbian and Gay Studies. (London, SAGE Publications), 355-374.
  • New Zealand Law Commission: Adoption- Options for Reform: Wellington: New Zealand Law Commission Preliminary Paper No 38: 1999: ISBN 1-877187-44-5

References

  1. ^ a b c Charlotte Patterson, et. al, "Adolescents with Same-Sex Parents: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, November 7, 2007, pg. 2
  2. ^ Parenting and Child Development in Adoptive Families: Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter?
  3. ^ William Satetan,Adopting Premises, Slate, Feb. 7, 2002
  4. ^ Gordon Moyes
  5. ^ "Special Report: Gay Marriage" (Document). Catholic Answers. 2004. note 63Template:Inconsistent citations {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  6. ^ Is the "Cinderella Effect" Controversial?
  7. ^ Lesbian & Gay Parenting. Page 12.
  8. ^ Paige, R. U. (2005). Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, Incorporated, for the legislative year 2004. Minutes of the meeting of the Council of Representatives July 28 & 30, 2004, Honolulu, HI. Retrieved November 18, 2004, from the World Wide Web http://www.apa.org/governance/. (To be published in Volume 60, Issue Number 5 of the American Psychologist.)
  9. ^ "Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Marriage", Study finds gay moms equally-good parents, July 2004.
  10. ^ "Position Statement: Adoption and Co-parenting of Children by Same-sex Couples", American Psychological Association, November 2002.
  11. ^ "AMA Policy regarding sexual orientation"
  12. ^ "McCain blasted for gay adoption opposition". USA Today. 15 July 2008.
  13. ^ http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/934
  14. ^ http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/39318/half_of_brazilians_reject_adoption_by_gay_couples/
  15. ^ Times Online March 3, 2010 Catholic adoption agency seeks exemption on gay adoption regulations
  16. ^ Muslims back Catholics over gay adoption
  17. ^ Catholic Charities stuns state, ends adoptions Gay issue stirred move by agency By Patricia Wen Boston Globe March 11, 2006
  18. ^ http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb/eb66/eb66_highlights_en.pdf
  19. ^ a b c Daniel Ottosson (November 2006). "LGBT world legal wrap up survey" (PDF). International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  20. ^ "Argentina Passes Gay Marriage Law". Towardfreedom.com. 2010-07-15. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  21. ^ 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 0802086292.
  22. ^ Homosexual couples can adopt children, decides to Supreme Court of Justice
  23. ^ Gays given equal adoption rights
  24. ^ 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. 21). ISBN 0802086292.
  25. ^ "Gay Marriage Goes Dutch". CBS News. Associated Press. 1 April 2001. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  26. ^ "Norway passes law approving gay marriage". MSNBC. Associated Press. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  27. ^ Windy City Media Group (1 October 2002). "South Africa OKs Gay Adoption". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  28. ^ BBC News (22 December 2005). "Gay marriage around the globe". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  29. ^ BBC News (6 June 2002). "Sweden legalises gay adoption". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  30. ^ UK Gay News (30 December 2005). "New Adoption Law Gives Gay Couples Joint Rights". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  31. ^ Ellen Thomas (20 September 2009). "New legislation sees gay Scottish couples win right to adopt children". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  32. ^ Kilian Melloy (18 June 2008). "Door to Gay Adoption Opened in Northern Ireland". Edge Boston. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  33. ^ a b Yanina Olivera (9 September 2009). "Uruguay approves Latin America's first gay adoption law". AFP. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  34. ^ a b Uruguay Bill Permitting Same-sex Couples to Adopt Becomes Law
  35. ^ a b c d Shelly Dahl (4 August 2007). "Stop the proposed same-sex adoption ban". Green Left. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  36. ^ a b c d "Adoption Amendment (Same Sex Couples) Bill 2010 (No 2) - NSW Parliament". Parliament.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i Mary C. Hurley (31 May 2007). "Sexual Orientation and Legal Rights". Parliament of Canada. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  38. ^ a b Jennifer A. Cooper (31 December 2001). "Opinion on Common-Law Relationships". Government of Manitoba. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  39. ^ a b "Gay couple leaps 'walls' to adopt son". Edmonton Journal. 19 February 2007.
  40. ^ a b "Legal Information for Same Sex Couples" (PDF). Legal Information for Same Sex Couples. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  41. ^ a b "Mexico City's gay marriage law takes effect". MSNBC. Associated Press. 4 March 2010. Retrieved 6 March 2010.
  42. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Human Rights Campaign (2008). "Adoption Laws: State by State". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  43. ^ Robert Crooks, Karla Baur. Our sexuality. 10th Edition. Cengage Learning, 2008. p. 520 (p. 255). ISBN 0495095540.
  44. ^ "Florida appeals court strikes down gay adoption ban". CNN International. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 22 September 2010.
  45. ^ Ice News (23 May 2009). "Finland extends same-sex adoption rules". Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  46. ^ "Israel sanctions overseas gay adoption". United Press International. April 25, 2008. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  47. ^ "Gay Israeli couple allowed to adopt". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. March 11, 2009. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  48. ^ Ruling of the Court of Cassation, first civil chamber, on recourse 04-17090
  49. ^ 04-15676
  50. ^ 06-15647
  51. ^ a b Ruling in E.B. v. France from the European Court of Human Rights
  52. ^ Council of State (France), ruling 230533
  53. ^ BBC, France chided over gay adoption, 22 January 2008
  54. ^ Gay News From 365Gay.com
  55. ^ a b AG okays wider adoption rights for same-sex couples, By Yuval Yoaz, February 12, 2008.
  56. ^ Cargo, Nick (2008-12-24). "Federal court orders Louisiana to recognize gay parents". PageOneQ. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  57. ^ Romero, Adam, Census Snapshot, Williams Institute, December 2007
  58. ^ Utah Code Section 78-30-1
  59. ^ Miami judge rules against Fla. gay adoption ban
  60. ^ Gay-Adoption Ban Passes in Arkansas
  61. ^ State judge overturns Ark. adoption ban law
  62. ^ Human Rights Campaign, State Adoption Laws. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  63. ^ Tracy Wilkinson (22 December 2009). "Mexico City moves to legalize same-sex marriage". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  64. ^ "Gay marriage closer to reality in Mexico". Los Angeles Times. 29 December 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2009. {{cite news}}: Text "Tracy Wilkinson" ignored (help)
  65. ^ "Uruguay votes to allow gay adoptions". Melbourne Herald Sun. 2009-08-28. Retrieved 2009-08-27.
  66. ^ Paraguayan Adoption Law Legal Database, Inter-American Children's Institute, Organization of American States. In Spanish. Retrieved on 20 September 2010.
  67. ^ ADOPTION ACT 1994 - SECT 39 Criteria for application
  68. ^ "Australian state votes for adoption by same-sex couples". The Hindu. Deutsche Presse-Agentur. September 2, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  69. ^ Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
  70. ^ Victorian Law Reform Commission - Current projects - Assisted Reproduction and Adoption - Final Report
  71. ^ [1][dead link]
  72. ^ "Adoption". HRC. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  73. ^ a b c State regulatory code allows delaying or denying an adoption based on sexual orientation. With same-sex marriage now legal, how this would apply to married same-sex couples is uncertain.
  74. ^ a b Mississippi allows unmarried adults and married couples to petition, amended in 2000 to prohibit "couples of the same gender" from adopting.
  75. ^ Based on the use of gender neutral and "partner" language on their application for adoption, New Mexico may allow same-sex couples to jointly petition.
  76. ^ "New York Domestic Relations - Title 1 - § 110 Who May Adopt; Effect of Article - New York Attorney Resources - New York Laws". Law.onecle.com. 2010-03-30. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  77. ^ "New York". Lambda Legal. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  78. ^ "Adoption Laws: State by State". HRC. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  79. ^ a b A 2003 law states: "A child-placing agency is not required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, facilitate, refer or participate in a placement that violates the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies." This is expected to allow some agencies to deny placement with LGBT couples and individuals. N.D. CENT. CODE §50-12-03.
  80. ^ a b HRC | Oklahoma Adoption Law
  81. ^ a b c d The Rhode Island Family Court routinely grants same sex couple adoptions and has been doing so for over fifteen years. The couples do not necessarily have to reside in Rhode Island and may be having their own birth child, using a surrogate or adopting a child already placed with them. If you adopt in Rhode Island you will receive a decree listing both partners as parents. If you are able to give birth in Rhode Island, you will also receive a birth certificate including both parents. After the adoption, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics will amend a locally born child's birth certificate to name both partners as parents. Greenwood and Fink (Providence, RI) - all legal services for same sex adopting couples and more.
  82. ^ Unmarried, cohabitating couples may not petition to adopt.