News
2006-04-22
Gay couples in
Belgium get adoption rights
The Belgian
parliament in Brussels has narrowly approved a bill to
grant gay couples equal rights in adoption. Senators backed
The Belgian
parliament in Brussels has narrowly approved a bill to
grant gay couples equal rights in adoption. Senators backed
the proposal Thursday by a vote of 34–33, with
two abstentions. The house had earlier voted
77–62 in favor of the bill.
With the passage of the bill, Belgium becomes
the fourth European Union member state to allow gay
couples equal rights in adoption, after Spain, the
Netherlands, and Sweden. Up to now, only heterosexual
couples or single people were granted adoption rights.
"It is a memorable day for the children of gays.
Finally they earn the right of a worthy legal link
with both their parents," said Mieke Stessens of the
Belgian Federation of Gays. (AP)
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