Dutch cabinet
passes bill allowing adoption of foreign children by gay
couples

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 scraps 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 legalized 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 legislation in March, arguing that no country will allow a gay Dutch couple to adopt a child anyhow. Supporters say the move will remove hurdles for children adopted by gays in general and resolve 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)