N.Y. Law OKs Adoption by Unmarried Partners

A new, inclusive adoption law signed by New York governor David Paterson allows unmarried partners, including same-sex couples, to jointly adopt children.

According to NY1, Paterson signed the law Sunday.

"Bill sponsors say that is meant to ensure children get insurance and other benefits from both adults, as well as lifelong support even if couples split up," reports the news station.

The new law also replaces the words "husband and wife" in the adoption statute with the gender-neutral term "married couple."

Same-sex marriage is not legal in New York, but the state recognizes same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions as the result of an executive order by Governor Paterson in 2008.