Gay-Lesbian Adoptions, Adopting by Homosexual Couples

If applications for adoption are put in from both heterosexual couples and same-sex couples, the heterosexual couple will get first preference in many agencies or countries. This is providing that same-sex couple adoptions are even allowed which is a question in many jurisdictions. Numerous countries prohibit it altogether based on the controversy surrounding homosexuality. Some countries such as Denmark, Iceland and France, to name a few, will allow it but only if it is a stepchild adoption. Officials believe that the heterosexual couples are applying for adoption because they can’t have children any other way and therefore should get preferential treatment. On the other side of the coin, it is believed that this is showing prejudice and therefore denying children of the possibility of becoming part of a real family.

An interesting fact about Ireland is that they will allow one partner of a same-sex union to adopt, but they will not accept applications from both parties of the union because they do not approve of same-sex unions.

Some of the countries that approve of same-sex union adoptions are Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom. Only nine states in the United States allow adoption of same-sex unions: California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. There is controversy and active legislature in most of the states involving this topic.

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