Dutch change gay laws

2005-03-09 17:15

The Hague - A majority of Dutch lawmakers presented on Wednesday a bill that would legalise the adoption of foreign children by gay couples and create greater equality for homosexual families.

The adoption of Dutch children by gay couples has been possible since same-sex marriage was legalised in the Netherlands in September 2000, but not cross-border adoption.

If passed, it will remove hurdles for children adopted by gays in general and resolve serious inheritance and legal parenthood issues, said Philip Tijsma of the Democrats 66 party which first suggested the law.

It was put forward on Wednesday by a coalition of three parties in parliament - the leading opposition Labour Party, the free-market liberal VVD and Democrats 66 - which hold a slim majority of the 150-seat house.

"Gay adoption has been legal in the Netherlands for years, but most adopted children come from abroad, " Tijsma told The Associated Press. "The problem is that Dutch law prohibits adoption by both parents."

He said 15 Dutch gay couples have already adopted children from the United States and that Washington has not objected. About 20 000 children are being raised by gay couples in the Netherlands, he said.

"It will give homosexual and heterosexual couples the same rights and that is in the best interest of the child," he said.

South Africa and some Brazilian provinces are expected to soon allow Dutch gay couples to adopt children, Tijsma said.

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage outright.

- AP