Dutch gays may adopt kids
24/06/2005 21:09  - (SA)  

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Official refuses to wed gays Another first for Dutch gays

The Hague - The Dutch cabinet on Friday passed a bill allowing gay couples to adopt foreign children in the Netherlands, creating greater equality with heterosexuals.

The change in law also scrapped a three-year probation period for gay stepparents to adopt, making it possible for a lesbian to adopt immediately if her partner gives birth.

The adoption of Dutch children by gay couples had been possible since same-sex marriage was legalised in the Netherlands in September 2000 - the first country to do so - but cross-border adoption had been excluded.

Dutch justice minister Piet Hein Donner reluctantly agreed to change the legislation in March, arguing that no country would allow a gay Dutch couple to adopt a child anyhow.

Supporters said the move would remove hurdles for children adopted by gays in general and resolved serious inheritance and legal parenthood issues.

The text of the bill was sent to the government's leading advisory body for review and was not made public.

- AP

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