View source for Same-sex adoption

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{{Short description|Adoption of children by same-sex couples}}
'''Same-sex adoption''' is the [[adoption]] of children or adults by [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex couple]]s. It may take the form of a joint adoption by the couple, or of the adoption by one partner of the other's biological child or adult ([[stepchild]] adoption). 

Joint adoption by same-sex couples is permitted in 39 countries. Most countries and territories that allow [[same-sex marriage]] (exceptions being Aruba, Curaçao, Ecuador and several Mexican states), as well as several countries and dependent territories that do not (Croatia,{{cn|date=July 2025}}{{Original research inline|date=July 2025}} Israel and two UK territories of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands) allow for same-sex joint adoption. In some of the countries with marriage, legislation for adoption preceded that for marriage.

Adoption is only permitted for same sex married couples in 21 of the 31 Mexican states and Mexico City, despite a Supreme Court ruling that requires states to allow it. Stepchild adoption is permitted for same-sex couples in two countries without same-sex marriage - San Marino and Czechia permits step-child adoption in which the registered partner can adopt the biological and, in some cases, the adopted child of their partner.

Given that constitutions and statutes usually do not address the adoption rights of same-sex couples, judicial decisions often determine whether they can serve as parents either individually or as couples. Opponents of adoption by same-sex couples have argued that [[same-sex parenting]] adversely affects children. However, research consistently shows that gay and lesbian parents are as fit and capable as heterosexual parents, and their children are as psychologically healthy and well-adjusted as those reared by heterosexual parents.<ref name="cpa2006">{{Cite web|year=2006|title=Marriage of Same-Sex Couples – 2006 Position Statement Canadian Psychological Association|url=http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/userfiles/Documents/Marriage%20of%20Same-Sex%20Couples%20Position%20Statement%20-%20October%202006%20(1).pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419195945/http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/userfiles/Documents/Marriage%20of%20Same-Sex%20Couples%20Position%20Statement%20-%20October%202006%20%281%29.pdf|archive-date=2009-04-19}}</ref><ref name="apsp">{{cite web|title=Elizabeth Short, Damien W. Riggs, Amaryll Perlesz, Rhonda Brown, Graeme Kane: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Parented Families – A Literature Review prepared for The Australian Psychological Society|url=https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/47196902-158d-4cbb-86e6-2f3f1c71ffd1/LGBT-families-literature-review.pdf.pdf|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210155/https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/47196902-158d-4cbb-86e6-2f3f1c71ffd1/LGBT-families-literature-review.pdf.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="amici2010">{{Cite web|title=Brief of the American Psychological Association, Kentucky Psychological Association, Ohio Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers Tennessee Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, American Psychoanalytic Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Medical Association as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/ObergefellHodges/AmicusBriefs/14-556_American_Psychological_Association.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412074914/https://www.supremecourt.gov/ObergefellHodges/AmicusBriefs/14-556_American_Psychological_Association.pdf|archive-date=2019-04-12|access-date=2017-06-27}}</ref>

Same-sex parents pursuing adoption must also contend with social pressures to conform to [[Heteronormativity|heteronormative]] gender roles.<ref name=":0" /> The concept of gender role models is necessitated by the bureaucratic organization of foster care and adoption agencies, particularly in the United States.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Key Moments in Fight for Gay Rights |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/OnCall/photos/lgbt-pride-month-gay-rights-movement-timeline-11004003/image-24334217 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>

==LGBT parenting==
[[File:Stephaniehaynes family.jpg|thumb|Lesbian couple with children]]
{{Main|LGBT parenting}}

=== Prevalence of adoption ===
Statistics on the prevalence of adoption by same-sex couples across countries where it is legal are not consistently available.

In 2022, 1 in 6 adoptions in England were by same-sex couples. This number was a 17.4% rise from the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Family Social - Adoptions by same-sex couples in England surge 17 per cent in a year [18 November, 2022] |url=https://newfamilysocial.org.uk/General-News/12993986 |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=newfamilysocial.org.uk |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207100031/https://newfamilysocial.org.uk/General-News/12993986 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, as of 2024, 18% of all LGBTQ people (~2.57 million adults) parent children in their homes, with 14% of same-sex couples (167,000) parenting a minor in their homes. 21% of same-sex couples adopt which is a much higher rate than in different-sex couples (3%).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=July 17, 2024 |title=More than 2.5 million LGBTQ adults are parenting children under the age of 18 |url=https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/lgbtq-parenting-2024-press-release/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Williams Institute |publisher=[[UCLA]] |language=en-US |archive-date=25 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125092927/https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/lgbtq-parenting-2024-press-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Quality of life outcomes ===
[[File:Gay couple with a baby.jpg|left|thumb|A gay couple with a child.]]
A common argument against the legalization of same-sex adoption is that children adopted by same-sex couples would have poorer quality of life outcomes. Overall, scientific research indicates that the children of same-sex couples fare just as well as the children of different-sex couples.<ref name="Pediatrics.aappublications.org">{{cite journal |last1=Pawelski |first1=J. G. |last2=Perrin |first2=E. C. |last3=Foy |first3=J. M. |last4=Allen |first4=C. E. |last5=Crawford |first5=J. E. |last6=Del Monte |first6=M. |last7=Kaufman |first7=M. |last8=Klein |first8=J. D. |last9=Smith |first9=K. |last10=Springer |first10=S. |last11=Tanner |first11=J. L. |last12=Vickers |first12=D. L. |year=2006 |title=The Effects of Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership Laws on the Health and Well-being of Children |url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/118/1/349.full |journal=[[Pediatrics (journal)|Pediatrics]] |volume=118 |issue=1 |pages=349–364 |doi=10.1542/peds.2006-1279 |pmid=16818585 |s2cid=219194821 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |doi-access= |url-access=subscription |archive-date=29 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429011707/https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/118/1/349.full |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite web |title=AMA Policy Regarding Sexual Orientation |url=http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/glbt-advisory-committee/ama-policy-regarding-sexual-orientation.page |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=[[American Medical Association]] |archive-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019042918/http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/glbt-advisory-committee/ama-policy-regarding-sexual-orientation.page |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite news |title=Position Statement on Support of Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Civil Marriage |url=http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Advocacy%20and%20Newsroom/Position%20Statements/ps2005_SameSexMarriage.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=[[American Psychiatric Association]] |archive-date=21 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221235945/http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Advocacy%20and%20Newsroom/Position%20Statements/ps2005_SameSexMarriage.pdf |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite web |title=Statement on Marriage and the Family |url=http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Statement-on-Marriage-and-the-family.cfm?renderforprint=1 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |publisher=[[American Anthropological Association]] |archive-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908225530/http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Statement-on-Marriage-and-the-family.cfm?renderforprint=1 |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite web |year=2002 |title=Position Statement on Adoption and Co-parenting of Children by Same-sex Couples |url=http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Advocacy%20and%20Newsroom/Position%20Statements/ps2002_Adoption.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=[[American Psychiatric Association]] |archive-date=21 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221235939/http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Advocacy%20and%20Newsroom/Position%20Statements/ps2002_Adoption.pdf |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite web |date=2010-08-11 |title=The APA reaffirms support for same-sex marriage |url=http://www.sdgln.com/news/2010/08/11/apa-reaffirms-support-same-sex-marriage |access-date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=[[San Diego Gay and Lesbian News]] |archive-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205141917/https://sdgln.com/news/2010/08/11/apa-reaffirms-support-same-sex-marriage |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite web |date=July 2012 |title=Support for Marriage Equality |url=http://www.aannet.org/assets/docs/marriage%20equality_7-26%2012f.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=[[American Academy of Nursing]] |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130007/http://www.aannet.org/assets/docs/marriage |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Marriage of Same-Sex Couples – 2006 Position Statement Canadian Psychological Association |url=http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/userfiles/Documents/Marriage%20of%20Same-Sex%20Couples%20Position%20Statement%20-%20October%202006%20(1).pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419195945/http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/userfiles/Documents/Marriage%20of%20Same-Sex%20Couples%20Position%20Statement%20-%20October%202006%20%281%29.pdf |archive-date=2009-04-19 }}{{indent}}{{cite web |title=Elizabeth Short, Damien W. Riggs, Amaryll Perlesz, Rhonda Brown, Graeme Kane: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Parented Families – A Literature Review prepared for The Australian Psychological Society |url=http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/LGBT-Families-Lit-Review.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304014530/http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/LGBT-Families-Lit-Review.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2011 |access-date=2010-11-05 }}{{indent}}[https://www.supremecourt.gov/ObergefellHodges/AmicusBriefs/14-556_American_Psychological_Association.pdf Brief of the American Psychological Association, Kentucky Psychological Association, Ohio Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers Tennessee Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter, National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, American Psychoanalytic Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Medical Association as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412074914/https://www.supremecourt.gov/ObergefellHodges/AmicusBriefs/14-556_American_Psychological_Association.pdf |date=12 April 2019 }}{{indent}}{{cite journal |author=Herek GM |date=September 2006 |title=Legal recognition of same-sex relationships in the United States: a social science perspective |url=http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/AP_06_pre.PDF |url-status=dead |journal=The American Psychologist |volume=61 |issue=6 |pages=607–21 |doi=10.1037/0003-066X.61.6.607 |pmid=16953748 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610164736/http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/AP_06_pre.PDF |archive-date=2010-06-10 }}{{indent}}{{cite journal |last1=Biblarz |first1=Timothy J. |last2=Stacey |first2=Judith |year=2010 |title=How Does the Gender of Parents Matter? |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123248173/HTMLSTART?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 |url-status=dead |journal=Journal of Marriage and Family |volume=72 |pages=3–22 |citeseerx=10.1.1.593.4963 |doi=10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00678.x |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171019190222/http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00678.x/full |archive-date=19 October 2017 |access-date=26 July 2015 }}{{indent}}[http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/UserFiles/Documents/advocacy/brief.pdf Brief presented to the Legislative House of Commons Committee on Bill C38 by the Canadian Psychological Association – June 2, 2005.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013225547/http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/userfiles/Documents/advocacy/brief.pdf |date=13 October 2012 }}{{indent}}{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Annie |date=October 22, 2017 |title=Children raised by same-sex parents do as well as their peers, study shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/23/children-raised-by-same-sex-parents-do-as-well-as-their-peers-study-shows |access-date=March 28, 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |archive-date=29 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429010814/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/23/children-raised-by-same-sex-parents-do-as-well-as-their-peers-study-shows |url-status=live }}{{indent}}{{cite news |last=Bever |first=Lindsey |date=July 7, 2014 |title=Children of same-sex couples are happier and healthier than peers, research shows |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/07/children-of-same-sex-couples-are-happier-and-healthier-than-peers-research-shows |access-date=March 28, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=4 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504054558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/07/children-of-same-sex-couples-are-happier-and-healthier-than-peers-research-shows/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What does the scholarly research say about the well-being of children with gay or lesbian parents? |url=https://whatweknow.inequality.cornell.edu/topics/lgbt-equality/what-does-the-scholarly-research-say-about-the-wellbeing-of-children-with-gay-or-lesbian-parents/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=What We Know |publisher=[[Cornell University]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102220141/https://whatweknow.inequality.cornell.edu/topics/lgbt-equality/what-does-the-scholarly-research-say-about-the-wellbeing-of-children-with-gay-or-lesbian-parents/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2004 study concluded that the sexual orientation of parents did not predict better or poorer "adoptive family functioning, adopted child's behavior, and parent's perceptions of helpfulness from family support networks".<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Erich |first1=Stephen |last2=Leung |first2=Patrick |last3=Kindle |first3=Peter |date=2005-09-26 |title=A Comparative Analysis of Adoptive Family Functioning with Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Parents and Their Children |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J461v01n04_03 |journal=Journal of GLBT Family Studies |language=en |volume=1 |issue=4 |pages=43–60 |doi=10.1300/J461v01n04_03 |issn=1550-428X |url-access=subscription |archive-date=7 June 2023 |access-date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607071105/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J461v01n04_03 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2010 study evaluated the outcomes of young adopted children who had been placed in one of 56 lesbian and gay households since infancy. The study found no significant associations between parental sexual orientation and child adjustment.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|url=http://people.virginia.edu/~cjp/articles/ffp10b.pdf|title=Parenting and Child Development in Adoptive Families: Does Parental Sexual Orientation Matter?|journal=[[Applied Developmental Science (journal)|Applied Developmental Science]]|department=[[Psychology Press]]|volume=14|issue=3|year=2010|pages=164–178|doi=10.1080/10888691.2010.500958|issn=1088-8691|last1=Farr|first1=Rachel H|last2=Forssell|first2=Stephen L|last3=Patterson|first3=Charlotte J|s2cid=12851671|access-date=27 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821173751/http://people.virginia.edu/~cjp/articles/ffp10b.pdf|archive-date=21 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Research published in 2009 studied 1,384 children with either heterosexual or same-sex adoptive parents and concluded that problematic behavior in children was not dependent on whether they had same-sex or opposite sex parents. The study also found that "adoptive parents are likely to encounter similar challenges in terms of risk factors for child behavioral problems and mitigating factors of such behavior."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Averett |first1=Paige |last2=Nalavany |first2=Blace |last3=Ryan |first3=Scott |date=2009-11-30 |title=An Evaluation of Gay/Lesbian and Heterosexual Adoption |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10926750903313278 |journal=Adoption Quarterly |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3–4 |pages=129–151 |doi=10.1080/10926750903313278 |issn=1092-6755 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |access-date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119104524/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10926750903313278 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2016 study of adopted children of same-sex parents showed that they perceive themselves to be more accepting, understanding and compassionate than children of different-sex parents. The children in the study also indicated that they often avoid sharing that their parents are lesbian or gay, and that many experience bullying or teasing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cody |first1=Patricia A. |last2=Farr |first2=Rachel H. |last3=McRoy |first3=Ruth G. |last4=Ayers-Lopez |first4=Susan J. |last5=Ledesma |first5=Kathleen J. |date=2017-01-02 |title=Youth Perspectives on Being Adopted from Foster Care by Lesbian and Gay Parents: Implications for Families and Adoption Professionals |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10926755.2016.1200702 |journal=Adoption Quarterly |language=en |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=98–118 |doi=10.1080/10926755.2016.1200702 |issn=1092-6755|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==Debate==
===Arguments===
The adoption of children by LGBT people is an issue of active debate. In the United States, for example, legislation to prevent adoption by LGBT people has been introduced in many jurisdictions; such efforts have largely been defeated. Prior to 1973, state courts commonly barred gay and lesbian individuals from holding a parenting role, especially through adoption.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Starr |first=Karla |title=Adoption by Homosexuals: A Look at Differing State Court Opinions |volume=40 |journal=Ariz. L. Rev. |page=1497 |date=Winter 1998 |url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/arz40&div=48&id=&page= |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531115701/https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/arz40&div=48&id=&page= |url-status=live }}</ref>

Major professional organizations have made statements in defense of adoption by same-sex couples. The [[American Psychological Association]] has supported adoption by same-sex couples, citing social prejudice as harming the psychological health of lesbians and gays while noting there is no evidence that their parenting causes harm.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Paige |first=Ruth Ullmann |journal=American Psychologist |volume=60 |issue=5 |pages=436–511 |date=August 2005 |title=Proceedings of the American Psychological Association for the legislative year 2004. Minutes of the meeting of the Council of Representatives 28 & 30 July 2004 |location=Honolulu, HI |doi=10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.436 |access-date=May 8, 2021 |url=https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ733578 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201145636/https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ733578 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apa.org/about/governance/council/policy/gay-marriage.pdf |title=Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Marriage |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511190536/http://www.apa.org/about/governance/council/policy/gay-marriage.pdf |archive-date=May 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823142855/http://archive.psych.org/edu/other_res/lib_archives/archives/200214.pdf |title=Position Statement: Adoption and Co-parenting of Children by Same-sex Couples |website=American Psychological Association |date=November 2002 |archive-date=August 23, 2009 |url=http://www.psych.org/Departments/EDU/Library/APAOfficialDocumentsandRelated/PositionStatements/200214.aspx}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/parenting-full.pdf|title=Lesbian & Gay Parenting|publisher=[[American Psychological Association]]|page=12|year=2005|access-date=28 November 2010|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221332/http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/parenting-full.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[American Medical Association]] has issued a similar position supporting [[second parent adoption]] by same-sex partner, stating that lack of formal recognition can cause health-care disparities for children of same-sex parents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/glbt-advisory-committee/ama-policy-regarding-sexual-orientation.shtml|title=H-60.940 Partner Co-Adoption, H-65.973 Health Care Disparities in Same-Sex Partner Households "AMA Policy regarding sexual orientation"|publisher=Ama-assn.org|access-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019042918/http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/glbt-advisory-committee/ama-policy-regarding-sexual-orientation.page|archive-date=19 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The following arguments are made in support of adoption by LGBT parents:
*The right of a child to have a family, guardians or people who can take care of their wellbeing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/08/01/conservatives_want_to_keep_gay_couples_from_adopting_or_fostering_kids.html|title=Conservatives want to keep gay couples from adopting or fostering kids.|author=[[Mark Joseph Stern]]|work=Slate Magazine|date=1 August 2014|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730052123/http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/08/01/conservatives_want_to_keep_gay_couples_from_adopting_or_fostering_kids.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Human rights – child's and parent's right to have a family life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/family/children/adoption_and_fostering/500590.html|title=Lesbian and gay couples' rights – adopting children|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505043759/http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/family/children/adoption_and_fostering/500590.html|archive-date=5 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*There are almost no differences between children raised by same-sex or straight couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livescience.com/17913-advantages-gay-parents.html|title=Why Gay Parents May Be the Best Parents|work=LiveScience.com|date=15 January 2012|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828113514/https://www.livescience.com/17913-advantages-gay-parents.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jll6AgAAQBAJ&q=no%20difference%20heterosexual%20parents&pg=PA130|title=A Lifetime of Communication|isbn=9781135639051|last1=Yingling|first1=Julie|date=21 July 2004|publisher=Psychology Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121019094534.htm|title=Foster kids do equally well when adopted by gay, lesbian or heterosexual parents, study suggests|work=ScienceDaily|publisher=[[University of California, Los Angeles]]|date=19 October 2012|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711205409/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121019094534.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> For that reason, sexual orientation of the parents has almost no relevance when it comes to raising a child.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miesiecznik.znak.com.pl/12467/calosc/homoseksualni-rodzice-wywiad-z-psychologiem|title=Homoseksualni rodzice – wywiad z psychologiem|date=29 May 2013|trans-title=Homosexual parents - interview with a psychologist|language=pl|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704000203/http://www.miesiecznik.znak.com.pl/12467/calosc/homoseksualni-rodzice-wywiad-z-psychologiem|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Evidence confirming that, despite the claims of those opposed to LGBT+ parenting,<ref name="link.springer.com">{{cite journal|title=Attitudes of Italian Heterosexual Older Adults Towards Lesbian and Gay Parenting|doi=10.1007/s13178-013-0129-2|volume=10|issue=4|journal=Sexuality Research and Social Policy|pages=285–292|last=Baiocco|first=Roberto|year=2013|s2cid=145433638}}</ref> same-sex couples can provide good conditions to raise a child.<ref name=mazrekaj>{{cite journal |last1=Mazrekaj |first1=Deni |last2=De Witte |first2=Kristof |last3=Cabus |first3=Sofie |title=School Outcomes of Children Raised by Same-Sex Parents: Evidence from Administrative Panel Data |journal=American Sociological Review |date=2020 |volume=85 |issue=5 |pages=830–856 |doi=10.1177/0003122420957249|s2cid=222002953 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/ive-got-two-dads-and-they-adopted-me|title=I've got two dads – and they adopted me|date=4 March 2013|work=University of Cambridge|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701230413/https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/ive-got-two-dads-and-they-adopted-me|url-status=live}}</ref>
*For children, adoption is a better alternative to [[orphanage]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=(How) Does It Make a Difference? Perspectives of Adults With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Parents|doi=10.1037/0002-9432.77.4.550|pmid = 18194035|volume=77|issue=4|journal=American Journal of Orthopsychiatry|pages=550–562|last=Goldberg|first=Abbie E.|year=2007|s2cid=40007667|url=http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/50d5/8e15efb7106dcdfbc6a374503517cceb10ae.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707190021/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/50d5/8e15efb7106dcdfbc6a374503517cceb10ae.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/hasrapo6&div=4&id=&page=|title=Throwing Black Babies Out with the Bathwater: A Child-Centered Challenge to Same-Sex Adoption Bans|author=Tanya M. Washington|journal=6 Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal|volume=6|page=1|archive-date=8 March 2020|access-date=25 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308180134/http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/hasrapo6&div=4&id=&page=|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://cswr.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2005_vol3_pg52_zink.pdf |title=Adoptive Homes and the Meaning of Family: Implications for Gay and Lesbian Prospective Parents |journal=Journal of Student Social Work |volume=3 |author=Alicia Erickson Zink |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220211601/http://cswr.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2005_vol3_pg52_zink.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2012}}</ref>
*Fewer formalities for step-parents in everyday life, as well as the situation of a death of a biological parent of a child.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://family.findlaw.com/adoption/legal-issues-for-gay-and-lesbian-adoption.html|title=Legal Issues for Gay and Lesbian Adoption|work=Findlaw|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=21 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121162004/https://family.findlaw.com/adoption/legal-issues-for-gay-and-lesbian-adoption.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://natemat.pl/17203,dziecko-w-rodzinie-homoseksualistow-adopcja-to-nie-problem-wychowanie-juz-tak|title=Dziecko w rodzinie homoseksualistów. Adopcja to nie problem, wychowanie już tak|trans-title=A child in a homosexual family. Adoption is not a problem, education is|website=[[NaTemat.pl]]|language=pl|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619113109/http://natemat.pl/17203,dziecko-w-rodzinie-homoseksualistow-adopcja-to-nie-problem-wychowanie-juz-tak|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Public opinion===
{{Same-sex adoption opinion polls Europe}}

{{Same-sex adoption opinion polls Americas}}
{{Same-sex adoption opinion polls Oceania}}
{{Same-sex adoption opinion polls Asia}}
{{Same-sex adoption opinion polls Africa}}

==Legal status==
[[File:World same-sex adoption laws.svg|right|thumb|upright=2|Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples around the world:
{{legend|#800080|Joint adoption by same-sex couples allowed}}
{{legend|#ba75ff|Only second-parent adoption allowed}}
{{legend|#E4D69D|Adoption not available to married same-sex couples}}
{{legend|#CCCCCC|Neither same-sex adoption nor same-sex marriage allowed}}
]]
Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in the following 39 countries, Mexico in some states:
* [[LGBT rights in Andorra|Andorra]] (2014)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bopa.ad/bopa/026071/Pagines/lq26071006.aspx |title=Llei 34/2014, del 27 de novembre, qualificada de les unions civils i de modificació de la Llei qualificada del matrimoni, de 30 de juny de 1995 |language=Catalan |website=Butlleti Oficial de Principat d'Andorra |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227035139/https://www.bopa.ad/bopa/026071/Pagines/lq26071006.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Argentina|Argentina]] (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towardfreedom.com/home/americas/2030-argentina-passes-gay-marriage-law|author=Marie Trigona|title=Argentina Passes Gay Marriage Law|publisher=Towardfreedom.com|date=15 July 2010|access-date=13 September 2010|archive-date=12 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512052900/http://www.towardfreedom.com/home/americas/2030-argentina-passes-gay-marriage-law|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Australia|Australia]] (first jurisdiction 2002, last jurisdiction 2018)
* [[LGBT rights in Austria|Austria]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euroclashblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/austrian-court-rules-to-allow-same-sex-adoptions/|title=Austrian court rules to allow same-sex adoptions|work=The Privateer|date=16 January 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222315/https://euroclashblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/austrian-court-rules-to-allow-same-sex-adoptions/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Belgium|Belgium]] (2006)<ref>David Morton Rayside. ''Queer inclusions, continental divisions: public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada and the United States''. University of Toronto Press, 2008. p. 388 (p. 20). {{ISBN|0-8020-8629-2}}.</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Brazil|Brazil]] (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.athosgls.com.br/noticias_visualiza.php?contcod=29208|title=Homosexual couples can adopt children, decides to Supreme Court of Justice|publisher=Athosgls.com.br|date=27 April 2010|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502033110/http://www.athosgls.com.br/noticias_visualiza.php?contcod=29208|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Canada|Canada]] (first jurisdiction 1996, last jurisdiction 2011)<ref name="FAQ'S">{{cite web|publisher=ACC|title=FAQ's|date=31 May 2007|url=http://www.adoption.ca/faqs|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003131444/http://www.adoption.ca/faqs|archive-date=3 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Same Sex Rights in Canada">{{cite news|publisher=CBC News|title=Timeline: Same Sex Rights in Canada|date=12 January 2012|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/timeline-same-sex-rights-in-canada-1.1147516|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=6 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506101733/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/timeline-same-sex-rights-in-canada-1.1147516|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Chile|Chile]] (2022)<ref>{{cite web| url = https://elpais.com/sociedad/2021-12-07/chile-aprueba-el-matrimonio-igualitario-tras-anos-de-espera.html| title = Chile aprueba el matrimonio igualitario tras años de espera {{!}} Sociedad {{!}} EL PAÍS| date = 7 December 2021| access-date = 10 December 2021| archive-date = 3 August 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230803131521/https://elpais.com/sociedad/2021-12-07/chile-aprueba-el-matrimonio-igualitario-tras-anos-de-espera.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Colombia|Colombia]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/justicia/fallo-de-la-corte-constitucional-sobre-la-adopcion/16421486|title=Corte Constitucional da vía libre a adopción gay en Colombia|publisher=Eltiempo.Com|date=5 November 2015|access-date=8 October 2017|language=es|archive-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106204524/http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/justicia/fallo-de-la-corte-constitucional-sobre-la-adopcion/16421486|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[LGBT rights in Costa Rica|Costa Rica]] (2020)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.alturi.org/news_items/costa-rica-family-court-validated-adoption-for-a-same-sex-couple/ | title=Costa Rica family court validated adoption for a same-sex couple | date=23 July 2022 | access-date=21 May 2024 | archive-date=21 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521003318/https://www.alturi.org/news_items/costa-rica-family-court-validated-adoption-for-a-same-sex-couple/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Croatia|Croatia]] (2022)<ref name="Jutarnji list">{{cite news|date=2022-05-26|title=Sud donio povijesnu odluku: Istospolne partnere više se ne smije diskriminirati kod posvajanja djece [Court reaches historic decision, same-sex couples can no longer be discriminated regarding adoption]|language=hr|work=Jutarnji list|url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/sud-donio-povijesnu-odluku-istospolne-partnere-vise-se-ne-smije-diskriminirati-kod-posvajanja-djece-15202514|access-date=2022-05-26|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526102226/https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/sud-donio-povijesnu-odluku-istospolne-partnere-vise-se-ne-smije-diskriminirati-kod-posvajanja-djece-15202514|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Cuba|Cuba]] (2022)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/world/americas/cuba-same-sex-marriage-adoption.html | title=Cuba Approves Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Vote | work=The New York Times | date=27 September 2022 | last1=Medina | first1=Eduardo | archive-date=27 September 2022 | access-date=21 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927024650/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/world/americas/cuba-same-sex-marriage-adoption.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Denmark|Denmark]] (2010)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cphpost.dk/component/content/48896.html?task=view |title=Gays given equal adoption rights |date=May 5, 2010 |website=The Copenhagen Post Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508230634/http://www.cphpost.dk/component/content/48896.html?task=view |archive-date=8 May 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2021}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Greenland|Greenland]] (2016)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/27/parliament-in-greenland-unanimously-approves-same-sex-marriage/|author=Joseph Patrick McCormick|date=27 May 2015|title=Parliament in Greenland unanimously approves same-sex marriage|work=PinkNews|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201123342/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/27/parliament-in-greenland-unanimously-approves-same-sex-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in the Faroe Islands|Faroe Islands]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towleroad.com/2016/04/faroe-islands|author=Sean Mandell|title=Faroe Islands Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption|work=Towleroad|date=29 April 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042451/http://www.towleroad.com/2016/04/faroe-islands/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Estonia|Estonia]] (2024)<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=Kooseluseadus |url=http://www.riigikogu.ee/index.php?op=emsplain&page=pub_file&file_id=f95adcc2-9cdd-4988-a0d3-58bf85d2df4a& |access-date=8 October 2017 |publisher=[[Riigikogu]] |language=et |archive-date=4 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404053556/http://www.riigikogu.ee/index.php?op=emsplain&page=pub_file&file_id=f95adcc2-9cdd-4988-a0d3-58bf85d2df4a& |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Finland|Finland]] (2017)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/finland-president-signs-gay-marriage-law-couples-will-have-wait-get-married-until-2017200215|title=Finland president signs gay marriage law – couples will have to wait to get married until 2017|author=Joe Morgan|work=Gay Star News|date=20 February 2015|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=23 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623220437/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/finland-president-signs-gay-marriage-law-couples-will-have-wait-get-married-until-2017200215/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in France|France]] (2013)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20130518-france-gay-marriage-law-adoption|title=François Hollande signs same-sex marriage into law – FRANCE|publisher=FRANCE 24|date=18 May 2013|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=25 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725092955/https://www.france24.com/en/20130518-france-gay-marriage-law-adoption|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Germany|Germany]] (2017)<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-30/german-same-sex-marriage-vote/8668740 |title=Germany legalises same-sex marriage after Angela Merkel allows free vote |date=June 30, 2017 |website=ABC News |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227095536/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-30/german-same-sex-marriage-vote/8668740 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Greece|Greece]] (2024)<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-15 |title=Greece legalises same-sex marriage |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68310126 |access-date=2024-02-15 |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215214801/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68310126 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Iceland|Iceland]] (2006)<ref>David Morton Rayside. ''[[iarchive:queerinclusionsc0000rays/page/388/mode/2up|Queer inclusions, continental divisions: public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada and the United States]]''. University of Toronto Press, 2008. p. 388 (p. 21). {{ISBN|0-8020-8629-2}}.</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Ireland|Ireland]] (2016)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/04/02/irish-senators-approve-same-sex-adoption-bill/|author=Nick Duffy|title=Irish senators approve same-sex adoption bill|work=PinkNews|date=2 April 2015|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310070330/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/04/02/irish-senators-approve-same-sex-adoption-bill/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Israel|Israel]] (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharon |first=Jeremy |date=2023-12-28 |title=High Court rules same-sex adoption must be allowed, in landmark decision |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-rules-same-sex-adoption-must-be-allowed-in-landmark-decision/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523174533/https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-rules-same-sex-adoption-must-be-allowed-in-landmark-decision/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Liechtenstein|Liechtenstein]] (2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vaterland.li/liechtenstein/gesellschaft/ab-heute-duerfen-auch-homosexuelle-paare-ein-stiefkind-adoptieren-art-533802|title=Art. 25 des Partnerschaftsgesetzes in Kraft - Ab heute dürfen auch homosexuelle Paare ein Stiefkind adoptieren).|website=vaterland.li|language=de|date=1 June 2023|access-date=4 June 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604174514/https://www.vaterland.li/liechtenstein/gesellschaft/ab-heute-duerfen-auch-homosexuelle-paare-ein-stiefkind-adoptieren-art-533802|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Luxembourg|Luxembourg]] (2015)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/luxembourg/story/21588475|title=Le mariage pour tous dès le 1er janvier 2015|trans-title=Marriage for all as of 1 January 2015|publisher=L'essentiel|language=fr|date=17 July 2014|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030948/http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/luxembourg/story/21588475|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Mémorial (Official Journal of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg)|title=Réforme du mariage|language=fr|url=http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2014/0125/a125.pdf|access-date=18 July 2014|archive-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916105733/http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2014/0125/a125.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Malta|Malta]] (2014)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/malta-gay-partnerships_n_5148866.html|title=Malta Legalizes Gay Partnerships, Adoption Rights|work=[[HuffPost]]|date=14 April 2014|author=Curtis M. Wong|agency=[[Reuters]]|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009135505/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/malta-gay-partnerships_n_5148866.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in the Netherlands|Netherlands]] (2001)<ref name="cbsnews2001">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBS News|title=Gay Marriage Goes Dutch|date=1 April 2001|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gay-marriage-goes-dutch/|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128181758/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gay-marriage-goes-dutch/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in New Zealand|New Zealand]] (2013)<ref name="cbsnews2001"/>
* [[LGBT rights in Norway|Norway]] (2009)<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC News|title=Norway passes law approving gay marriage|date=17 June 2008|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25218048|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029221552/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25218048|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Portugal|Portugal]] (2016)<ref>{{cite news|work=Associated Press|title=Portugal allows same-sex adoption, artificial insemination|date=20 November 2015|url=https://apnews.com/d0754d773c424a2db4bd59f3a3d509c9/portugal-allows-same-sex-adoption-artificial-insemination|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232153/https://apnews.com/d0754d773c424a2db4bd59f3a3d509c9/portugal-allows-same-sex-adoption-artificial-insemination|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Slovenia|Slovenia]] (2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.us-rs.si/tiskovno-sporocilo/ |title=Press release and Decisions U-I-486/20, Up-572/18 and U-I-91/21, Up-675/19 of 16 June 2022 |publisher=Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia |date=8 July 2022 |language=sl |access-date=16 October 2022 |archive-date=15 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715101239/https://www.us-rs.si/tiskovno-sporocilo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 9, 2022 |title=Slovenia: Court strikes bans on same-sex marriages, adoption |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/slovenia-court-strikes-bans-sex-marriages-adoption-86516817 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015225225/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/slovenia-court-strikes-bans-sex-marriages-adoption-86516817 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in South Africa|South Africa]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Windy City Media Group|title=South Africa OKs Gay Adoption|date=1 October 2002|url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ARTICLE.php?AID=1187|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515020840/http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ARTICLE.php?AID=1187|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Spain|Spain]] (2005)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/01/world/europe/spain-gives-approval-to-gay-unions.html|work=The New York Times|author=Renwick McLean|title=Spain gives approval to gay unions|date=1 July 2005|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126045533/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/01/world/europe/spain-gives-approval-to-gay-unions.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Sweden|Sweden]] (2003)<ref>{{cite news|work=[[BBC News Online]]|title=Sweden legalises gay adoption|date=6 June 2002|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2028938.stm|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629185605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2028938.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Switzerland|Switzerland]] (2022)<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/switzerland-same-sex-marriage-referendum-1.6190173| title = Swiss voters back same-sex marriage and adoption by clear majority {{!}} CBC News}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Taiwan|Taiwan]] (2023)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/taiwan-expands-adoption-rights-for-samesex-couples/news-story/5fcc744264c350e147d3deb97ebb9dce|title=Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples|date=16 May 2023|work=news.com.au|agency=AFP}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Thailand|Thailand]] (2025)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/18/asia/thailand-same-sex-marriage-intl-hnk/index.html | title='Monumental step forward': Thailand to become first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage | date=18 June 2024 | access-date=22 June 2024 | archive-date=21 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621043120/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/18/asia/thailand-same-sex-marriage-intl-hnk/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]]
** [[England]] and [[Wales]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web|publisher=UK Gay News|title=New Adoption Law Gives Gay Couples Joint Rights|date=30 December 2005|url=http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/2005dec/3001.htm|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106202603/http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk//Archive/2005dec/3001.htm|archive-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[Scotland]] (2009)<ref>{{cite news|author=Ellen Thomas|work=Herald Scotland|title=New legislation sees gay Scottish couples win right to adopt children|date=20 September 2009|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/new-legislation-sees-gay-scottish-couples-win-right-to-adopt-children-1.921121|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131021455/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/new-legislation-sees-gay-scottish-couples-win-right-to-adopt-children-1.921121|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Northern Ireland]] (2013)<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Gay adoption: Northern Ireland ban lifted|date=11 December 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25332917|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=4 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504225944/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25332917|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety|title=Adoption – Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/child_care/adoption/adoption_faqs.htm|access-date=5 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222155950/http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/child_care/adoption/adoption_faqs.htm|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in the United States|United States]] (first jurisdiction 1993, last jurisdiction 2017)<ref name="U.S. adoption">{{cite web|author=Human Rights Campaign|title=Adoption Laws: State by State|year=2008|url=http://www.hrc.org/issues/parenting/adoptions/8464.htm|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=21 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521184158/http://www.hrc.org/issues/parenting/adoptions/8464.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnadopt.org/howtoadopt.html|title=How To Adopt|publisher=Mnadopt.org|date=1 August 2012|access-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110150929/http://www.mnadopt.org/howtoadopt.html|archive-date=10 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="RI">{{cite web|url=http://www.lesbiangayadoption.com/|title=Greenwood and Fink (Providence, RI) – all legal services for same-sex adopting couples and more|publisher=Lesbiangayadoption.com|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426211211/http://lesbiangayadoption.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Uruguay|Uruguay]] (2009)<ref name="Uruguay adoption">{{cite web|author=Yanina Olivera|agency=AFP|title=Uruguay approves Latin America's first gay adoption law|date=9 September 2009|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gu1QYorSnG_WrGpbQ-ic2fMpxObg|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110030911/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gu1QYorSnG_WrGpbQ-ic2fMpxObg|archive-date=10 November 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="americasquarterly.org">{{cite web|publisher=AQ Online|url=http://www.americasquarterly.org/node/1033|title=Uruguay Bill Permitting Same-sex Couples to Adopt Becomes Law|date=27 October 2009|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518191152/https://www.americasquarterly.org/node/1033|url-status=live}}</ref>

Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in the following subnational jurisdictions or dependent territories:
* UK [[Crown Dependencies]] and [[British Overseas Territories]]:
** [[LGBT rights in Bermuda|Bermuda]] (2015)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_10809_204_226633_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/non_ministerial/judiciary/judgments_2015/ruling_2014_no_308_a_and_b_director_of_child_and_family_services_and_attorney_gereral__feb__3_2015.pdf |title=In The Supreme Court of Bermuda CIVIL JURISDICTION 2014: No. 308 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210090757/http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_10809_204_226633_43/http;/ptpublisher.gov.bm;7087/publishedcontent/publish/non_ministerial/judiciary/judgments_2015/ruling_2014_no_308_a_and_b_director_of_child_and_family_services_and_attorney_gereral__feb__3_2015.pdf |archive-date=10 February 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in the Cayman Islands|Cayman Islands]] (2019)
** [[LGBT rights in Gibraltar|Gibraltar]] (2014)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/03/21/gibraltar-approves-civil-partnerships-bill/|title=Gibraltar approves civil partnerships bill|author=Scott Roberts|work=Pink News|date=21 March 2014|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070505/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/03/21/gibraltar-approves-civil-partnerships-bill/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Guernsey|Guernsey]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guernseyfostercare.com/adoption/who-can-adopt.aspx|title=Guernsey Foster Care: Who can adopt|publisher=Guernsey Foster Care|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032454/http://www.guernseyfostercare.com/adoption/who-can-adopt.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in the Isle of Man|Isle of Man]] (2011)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-13093113|title=New laws raise hopes for more adoptions in Isle of Man|work=BBC News|date=15 April 2011|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008234503/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-13093113|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Jersey|Jersey]] (2012)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-17583000|title=Jersey's civil partnership law comes into force|work=BBC News|date=2 April 2012|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330174014/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-17583000|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in the United Kingdom#Summary by territory|Pitcairn Islands]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/pn.htm|title=GayLawNet – Laws – Pitcairn – PN|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020131/https://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/pn.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in the Falkland Islands|Falkland Islands]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/fk.htm|title=Falkland Islands|publisher=GayLawNet|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015826/https://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/fk.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha|Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/sh.htm |title=Ascension Island, Saint Helena, and Tristan da Cunha LGBT Laws |website=Pride Legal: Law at Your Command |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911152609/http://www.gaylawnet.com/laws/sh.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[LGBT rights in Mexico|Mexico]]:
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Aguascalientes|Aguascalientes]] (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elclarinete.com.mx/reconoce-amezquita-que-parejas-gay-si-pueden-adoptar-en-aguascalientes/|title=Reconoce Amézquita que parejas gay sí pueden adoptar en Aguascalientes|date=29 March 2018|language=es-MX|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424152404/http://www.elclarinete.com.mx/reconoce-amezquita-que-parejas-gay-si-pueden-adoptar-en-aguascalientes/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Baja California|Baja California]] (2017)
** [[Baja California Sur]] (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title=El Congreso de Baja California Sur avala por mayoría de votos la adopción homoparental en el estado |url=https://latinus.us/2022/11/15/el-congreso-de-baja-california-sur-avala-por-mayoria-de-votos-la-adopcion-homoparental-en-el-estado/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Latin US |language=es-MX |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116164857/https://latinus.us/2022/11/15/el-congreso-de-baja-california-sur-avala-por-mayoria-de-votos-la-adopcion-homoparental-en-el-estado/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Campeche|Campeche]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visionpeninsular.com/mid/parejas-homosexuales-pueden-adoptar|title=Adopción por parejas del mismo sexo ya es viable en Campeche|trans-title=Adoption by same-sex couples is already viable in Campeche|language=es|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009092345/http://visionpeninsular.com/mid/parejas-homosexuales-pueden-adoptar/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Chiapas|Chiapas]] (2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2017/07/12/1175224|title=Parejas gay en Chiapas podrán adoptar, acceder a la salud…|date=2017-07-12|website=Excélsior|language=es|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813211135/https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2017/07/12/1175224|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Chihuaha|Chihuahua]] (2017)
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Coahuila|Coahuila]] (2014)<ref name="Coahuila adoption">{{cite web|author=Jesús Castro|work=Vanguardia|title=Ya pueden parejas gay adoptar en Coahuila; PAN vota en contra|trans-title=Gay couples can already adopt in Coahuila; PAN votes against it|publisher=Marmor Informa|date=12 February 2014|url=http://www.marmorinforma.mx/Nacional/Estados/Ya-pueden-parejas-gay-adoptar-en-Coahuila-PAN-vota-en-contra|access-date=8 October 2017|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009040212/http://www.marmorinforma.mx/Nacional/Estados/Ya-pueden-parejas-gay-adoptar-en-Coahuila-PAN-vota-en-contra|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Colima|Colima]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://angelguardian.mx/beta/parejas-del-mismo-sexo-pueden-adoptar-en-colima-funcionario-del-dif/ |title=Parejas del Mismo Sexo Pueden Adoptar en Colima: funcionario del DIF |date=June 14, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615131208/http://angelguardian.mx/beta/parejas-del-mismo-sexo-pueden-adoptar-en-colima-funcionario-del-dif/ |archive-date=15 June 2016}}</ref>
** [[Durango]] (2022 -- prohibition never existed)
** [[Jalisco]] (2019)
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Hidalgo|Hidalgo]] (2019)
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico City|Mexico City]] (2010)<ref name="Associated Press">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC News|title=Mexico City's gay marriage law takes effect|date=4 March 2010|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35714490|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030040409/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35714490|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Michoacán|Michoacán]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cambiodemichoacan.com.mx/nota-n4914|title=Con el matrimonio igualitario Michoacán libra una batalla de activismo ideológico y jurídico|author=Leticia Florian Arriaga|work=Cambio de Michoacán|date=24 May 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=23 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323103834/http://www.cambiodemichoacan.com.mx/nota-n4914|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Morelos|Morelos]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diariodemorelos.com/noticias/abren-adopciones-matrimonios-gay|title=Abren adopciones a matrimonios gay|trans-title=Adoptions are open for gay couples|publisher=Diario de Morelos|date=13 June 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=23 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323103835/https://www.diariodemorelos.com/noticias/abren-adopciones-matrimonios-gay|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Nayarit|Nayarit]] (2019)
** [[Nuevo León|Nuevo Leon]] (2019)
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#Puebla|Puebla]] (2017)
** [[Querétaro]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Andy |date=April 26, 2017 |title=Parejas del mismo sexo pueden adoptar en Querétaro |url=https://queretaro.quadratin.com.mx/parejas-del-sexo-pueden-adoptar-queretaro/ |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=Quadratin |archive-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425055814/https://queretaro.quadratin.com.mx/parejas-del-sexo-pueden-adoptar-queretaro/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Quintana Roo]] (2022)<ref name=Quitana>{{cite web |author= Ana Flores |date= 13 September 2022 |title= Quintana Roo: Personas LGBT+ podrán adoptar gracias a reforma |url= https://www.homosensual.com/lgbt/quintana-roo-personas-lgbt-adopcion-gracias-a-reforma/ |access-date= 14 September 2022 |archive-date= 14 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220914061136/https://www.homosensual.com/lgbt/quintana-roo-personas-lgbt-adopcion-gracias-a-reforma/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[LGBT rights in Mexico#San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]] (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pulsoslp.com.mx/slp/adopcion-sin-veda-a-matrimonios-igualitarios-valdes/936591|title=Adopción, sin veda a matrimonios igualitarios: Valdés|website=pulsoslp.com.mx|date=22 March 2017|language=es|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518110836/https://pulsoslp.com.mx/slp/adopcion-sin-veda-a-matrimonios-igualitarios-valdes/936591|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Tamaulipas]] (prior to 2022 -- there is no prohibition)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=El Diario de |date=2022-10-25 |title=Matrimonio igualitario, de la polémica a la realidad - El Diario de Ciudad Victoria |url=https://eldiariomx.com/2022/10/25/matrimonio-igualitario-de-la-polemica-a-la-realidad/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |language=es-MX |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025202027/https://eldiariomx.com/2022/10/25/matrimonio-igualitario-de-la-polemica-a-la-realidad/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Veracruz]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elmundodecordoba.com/index.php/local/local-conten-izq/11132-sin-adoptar-parejas-del-mismo-genero|title=Sin adoptar parejas del mismo género|website=www.elmundodecordoba.com|language=es|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=12 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912160106/http://www.elmundodecordoba.com/index.php/local/local-conten-izq/11132-sin-adoptar-parejas-del-mismo-genero|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Caribbean Netherlands]] (2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0028063/2011-01-01/1|title=Invoeringswet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba|trans-title=Public Administration Act, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba|language=nl|date=1 January 2011|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505054140/https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0028063/2011-01-01/1|url-status=live}}</ref>

The following countries permit step-child adoption in which the partner in a [[Intimate relationship|relationship]] can adopt the natural and/or the adopted child of his or her partner:

* [[LGBT rights in San Marino|San Marino]] (2018)<ref name="consigliograndeegenerale.sm">{{cite web |url=https://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/on-line/home/scheda17160637.html |title=LAW November 20, 2018 n.147 - Regulation of civil unions |website=Consiglio Grande e Generale |language=Italian |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090732/https://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/on-line/home/scheda17160637.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

* [[LGBT rights in Czech Republic|Czechia]] (2025)

Step-child adoption is legal in the following subnational jurisdictions or dependent territories:

* [[LGBT rights in Hong Kong|Hong Kong]] (2021)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mogul |first=Rhea |title='A huge relief': Hong Kong's LGBT+ community hails court ruling granting parental rights for same-sex partners - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/06/11/hong-kongs-lgbt-community-hails-step-forward-as-court-grants-parental-rights-for-same-sex-partners/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=hongkongfp.com |date=11 June 2021 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Kelly |title=One Step Forward: Securing Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Couples in Hong Kong {{!}} OHRH |url=https://ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk/one-step-forward-securing-parental-rights-for-lgbtq-couples-in-hong-kong/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong e-Legislation |url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/checkconfig/checkClientConfig.jsp?applicationId=RA001 |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.elegislation.gov.hk |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820021817/http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/C8A3B2AECFB759D5482575EF0017A5D5/$FILE/CAP_542_e_b5.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In [[LGBT rights in Italy|Italy]] step-child adoption can only be recognized by court order since 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/politica/16_giugno_22/adozioni-cassazione-si-stepchild-adoption-casi-particolari-83331c86-385e-11e6-af01-13e8abfd5afa.shtml|author=Elena Tebano|title=Gay, Cassazione: sì alla stepchild adoption per il secondo genitore|date=22 June 2016|trans-title=Gay, Cassation: yes to stepchild adoption for the second parent|language=it|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101700/https://www.corriere.it/politica/16_giugno_22/adozioni-cassazione-si-stepchild-adoption-casi-particolari-83331c86-385e-11e6-af01-13e8abfd5afa.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Africa===

====South Africa====
[[South Africa]] is the only African country to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples. The 2002 decision of the [[Constitutional Court of South Africa|Constitutional Court]] in the case of ''[[Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development]]'' amended the Child Care Act, 1983 to allow both joint adoption and step-parent adoption by "permanent same-sex life partners".<ref>{{cite news|title=Lesbians, gays can adopt children|newspaper=news24|date=10 September 2002|url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Lesbians-gays-can-adopt-children-20020910|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926231814/https://www.news24.com/World/News/Lesbians-gays-can-adopt-children-20020910|url-status=live}}</ref> The Child Care Act has since been replaced by the [[Children's Act, 2005]], which allows joint adoption by "partners in a permanent domestic life-partnership", whether same- or opposite-sex, and step-parent adoption by a person who is the "permanent domestic life-partner" of the child's current parent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centreforchildlaw.co.za/images/files/mediaguides/childrens_act_media_guide.pdf|title=A Media Guide to the Children's Act 38 of 2005|publisher=Centre for Child Law; Media Monitoring Project|year=2008|author=Lynley Donelly|access-date=8 October 2017|page=40|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171622/http://www.centreforchildlaw.co.za/images/files/mediaguides/childrens_act_media_guide.pdf|archive-date=19 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Same-sex marriage in South Africa|Same-sex marriage]] has been legal since 2006, and is equivalent to opposite-sex marriage for all purposes, including adoption.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNN.com - Gay couple wins S. Africa ruling - Dec 1, 2005 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/12/01/safrica.gaymarriage/index.html |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=www.cnn.com |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520035742/https://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/12/01/safrica.gaymarriage/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Americas===
[[File:Same-sex adoption in Mexico.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Legal status in the states of Mexico.
{{legend|#800080|Joint adoption by same-sex couples allowed}}
{{legend|#E4D69D|No laws allowing adoption by married same-sex couples}}
]]
[[File:Gay adoption in South America.svg|thumb|Legal status of adoption by Same sex couples in [[South America]]
{{legend|#800080|Couple adoption legal}}
{{legend|#d40000|Couple adoption illegal}}
{{legend|#290505|Same-sex sexual activity illegal}}
{{legend|#cccccc|Unknown/ambiguous}}]]

==== Argentina ====
[[Argentina]] allows adoption by same and different-sex marriages, and even by single people, since 2010. The law makes no difference in the requirements for adoption for any of these.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adopción |date=12 July 2019 |url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/justicia/derechofacil/leysimple/adopcion |publisher=Código Civil y Comercial |access-date=2 July 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702035107/https://www.argentina.gob.ar/justicia/derechofacil/leysimple/adopcion |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Canada ====
[[Canada]] has no nation-wide law legalizing same-sex adoption, but rather has [[LGBT rights in Canada#Adoption|smaller provincial laws]] that cover the entire nation. Same-sex adoption legalization in Canada began with [[British Columbia]] in 1996 and was finalized with [[Nunavut]] in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leg.bc.ca/legacy|title=Adoption Act: BILL 51 -- 1995|date=1995-07-04|website=www.leg.bc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901220627/https://www.leg.bc.ca/legacy|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://canlii.ca/t/8l1v|title=Consolidation of Adoption Act, SNWT (Nu) 1998, c 9|date=2012-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712021358/http://www.canlii.org/en/nu/laws/stat/snwt-nu-1998-c-9/latest/snwt-nu-1998-c-9.html#history|archive-date=2013-07-12|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref> By 2013, an Ipsos Global poll showed 70% of Canadians approved of same-sex adoption to some degree with 45% strongly approving.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Montero|first=Darrel|date=Fall 2014|title=Attitudes Toward Same-Gender Adoption and Parenting: An Analysis of Surveys from 16 Countries|url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/download/16139/18395/0|journal=Advances in Social Work|volume=15|issue=2|pages=444–459|doi=10.18060/16139|doi-access=free|archive-date=3 January 2020|access-date=3 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103211425/https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/download/16139/18395/0|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Chile====
Since March 10, 2022  joint parenthood of same-sex couples is legal in [[Chile]] after the entry into force of [[Same-sex marriage in Chile|Law 21,400 on Equal Marriage]], which explicitly guarantees non-discrimination based on [[sexual orientation]] and [[gender identity]] for custody purposes, [[filiation]] and adoption whether or not the couples are married or whether or not they had their children through assisted human fertilization. The law amends the Civil Code to recognize the parents of children as their mother and/or father, their two mothers, or their two fathers.<ref>{{cite web |title=LEY NÚM. 21.400 MODIFICA DIVERSOS CUERPOS LEGALES PARA REGULAR, EN IGUALDAD DE CONDICIONES, EL MATRIMONIO ENTRE PERSONAS DEL MISMO SEXO |url=https://www.diariooficial.interior.gob.cl/publicaciones/2021/12/10/43124-B/01/2055451.pdf |website=diariooficial.interior.gob.cl |access-date=19 October 2022 |language=es |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210162823/https://www.diariooficial.interior.gob.cl/publicaciones/2021/12/10/43124-B/01/2055451.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2021 survey, shows that 65% of Chileans support same-sex adoption.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matrimonio igualitario y adopción homoparental alcanzan su mayor respaldo ciudadano en la encuesta Cadem |url=https://www.movilh.cl/matrimonio-igualitario-y-adopcion-homoparental-alcanzan-su-mayor-respaldo-ciudadano-en-la-encuesta-cadem/#:~:text=En%20relaci%C3%B3n%20al%20matrimonio%20igualitario,76%25%20en%20Santiago%20y%20de |access-date=19 October 2022 |date=2021 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019144020/https://www.movilh.cl/matrimonio-igualitario-y-adopcion-homoparental-alcanzan-su-mayor-respaldo-ciudadano-en-la-encuesta-cadem/#:~:text=En%20relaci%C3%B3n%20al%20matrimonio%20igualitario,76%25%20en%20Santiago%20y%20de |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Colombia====
On 4 November 2015, in a 6-2 [[Constitutional court|Constitutional Court]] ruling, [[Colombia]] decided to allow adoption by LGBT peoples.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/04/world/americas/ap-lt-colombia-gay-adoption.html|title=Colombia High Court Rules for Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples|date=4 November 2015|agency=AP|access-date=9 April 2016|work=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109053618/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/04/world/americas/ap-lt-colombia-gay-adoption.html|archive-date=9 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ruling came before same-sex marriage became legal in the country on 28 April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/colombia-legalizes-same-sex-marriage/a-19223822|title=Colombia legalizes same-sex marriage|date=28 April 2016|agency=AP|access-date=14 October 2017|work=DW|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413170303/https://www.dw.com/en/colombia-legalizes-same-sex-marriage/a-19223822|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Cuba ====
[[Cuba]] allows adoption by same-sex marriages (since [[2022 Cuban Family Code referendum|September 2022 referendum]]) and different-sex marriages, and even by single people.

==== Honduras ====
As of May 2019, the Honduras Supreme Court is expected to rule on a decision regarding both same-sex marriage and adoption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/23/lgbt-hondurans-march-against-hate|title=LGBT Hondurans March Against Hate: Activists Call for Gender Identity Law, Equal Marriage, Adoption|last=Postema|first=Mirte|date=2019-05-23|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-date=30 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030092355/https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/23/lgbt-hondurans-march-against-hate|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Mexico====
Same-sex couples are able to adopt in Mexico City (since 2010), Coahuila (2014), Campeche (2016), Colima (2016), Michoacán (2016), Morelos (2016), Veracruz (2016), Baja California (2017), Chihuahua (2017), Querétaro (2017), Puebla (2018), Chiapas (2018), Nayarit (2019), Aguascalientes (2019), Hidalgo (2019), San Luis Potosí (2019), Quintana Roo (2022), Yucatan (2022), Durango (2022), Tamaulipas (2022), Guerrero (2022), Nuevo Leon (2023), Tabasco (2024).

In [[Mexico City]], the [[Legislative Assembly of the Federal District]] passed legislation on 21 December 2009 enabling same-sex couples to adopt children.<ref name="Mexico City adoption">{{cite news|author=Tracy Wilkinson|work=Los Angeles Times|title=Mexico City moves to legalize same-sex marriage|date=22 December 2009|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-dec-22-la-fg-mexico-gays22-2009dec22-story.html|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105180352/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/dec/22/world/la-fg-mexico-gays22-2009dec22|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight days later, [[Head of Government of the Federal District|Head of Government]] ("Mayor") [[Marcelo Ebrard]] signed the bill into law, which officially took effect on 4 March 2010.<ref name="Associated Press"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Tracy Wilkinson|work=Los Angeles Times|title=Gay marriage closer to reality in Mexico|date=29 December 2009|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2009/12/gay-marriage-closer-to-reality-in-mexico.html|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516233530/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2009/12/gay-marriage-closer-to-reality-in-mexico.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 November 2011, the Coahuila [[Supreme court|Supreme Court]] struck down the state's law barring same-sex couples from adopting, urging the state's legislature to amend the adoption law as soon as possible.<ref name="Coahuila">{{cite news|author=José Reyes|newspaper=Vanguardia|title=Adopción gay será posible en Coahuila|date=28 November 2011|url=http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/adopciongayseraposibleencoahuila-1158988.html|access-date=14 February 2012|language=es|archive-date=14 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514173724/http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/adopciongayseraposibleencoahuila-1158988.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 February 2014, the state's congress overwhelmingly approved the measure more than two years following the supreme court decision.<ref name="Coahuila adoption"/>

On 3 February 2017 the [[Supreme Court of Mexico|SCJN]] emitted tesis 08/2017 in which it is stated that the family of the LGBT community doesn't end with a couple, but that it also extends onto the right to have and raise children. Therefore, LGBT couples wishing to form a family and adopt children will be legally protected and can't be limited by any governmental entity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdpnoticias.com/gay/2017/02/02/aprueba-scjn-derecho-a-la-vida-familiar-para-parejas-lgbti|title=Aprueba SCJN derecho a la vida familiar para parejas LGBTI|trans-title=SCJN approves right to family life for LGBTQ couples|language=es|date=2 June 2017|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820105904/https://www.sdpnoticias.com/gay/2017/02/02/aprueba-scjn-derecho-a-la-vida-familiar-para-parejas-lgbti|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2021, a bill was introduced to the legislature of Baja California Sur.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Morena buscará que la adopción homoparental sea una realidad en BCS - Primero BCS | url=https://www.primerobcs.mx/morena-buscara-que-la-adopcion-homoparental-sea-una-realidad-en-bcs/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013144208/https://www.primerobcs.mx/morena-buscara-que-la-adopcion-homoparental-sea-una-realidad-en-bcs/ | access-date=2025-01-25 | archive-date=2021-10-13}}</ref>

In September 2022, a bill was passed in Quintana Roo.<ref name=Quitana/>

====United States====
{{Main|LGBT adoption in the United States}}
In 1979, Reverend John Kuiper of the [[Metropolitan Community Church]] and his husband became the first gay men in America to win the right to adopt a child.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vecsey |first1=George |date=21 June 1979 |title=Approval Given for Homosexual to Adopt a Boy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/21/archives/approval-given-for-homosexual-to-adopt-a-boy-minister-providing-a.html |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Adoption by LGBT individuals or same-sex couples is legal in all fifty states as of June 2017.

====Uruguay====
A government-sponsored adoption law in Uruguay allowing LGBT adoption was approved by the lower house on 28 August 2009, and by the Senate on 9 September 2009. In October 2009, the law was signed by President and took effect.<ref name="americasquarterly.org"/> According to Equipos Mori Poll's, 53% of Uruguayans are opposed to same sex adoption against 39% that support it. Interconsult's Poll made in 2008 says that 49% are opposed to same sex adoption against 35% that support it.<ref name="Uruguay adoption"/><ref name="mhs-uruguay">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/uruguay-votes-to-allow-gay-adoptions/news-story/c3d41b32ba8818fae185f4e671a6b23a|title=Uruguay votes to allow gay adoptions|date=28 August 2009|work=Melbourne Herald Sun|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008233108/http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/uruguay-votes-to-allow-gay-adoptions/news-story/c3d41b32ba8818fae185f4e671a6b23a|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Asia===
LGBT rights for adoption of children in Asia are almost nonexistent, except in [[LGBT rights in Israel|Israel]], [[LGBT rights in Thailand |Thailand]], and [[LGBT rights in Taiwan|Taiwan]]. Some Asian countries still criminalize same-sex activities and do not have anti-[[violence against LGBT people|discrimination]] laws, which are obstacles for legislating for LGBT adoption.<ref>{{cite web|author=Carrie Craft|title=Gay Adoption Basics|url=http://adoption.about.com/od/adopting/tp/gayadoptionbasics.htm|publisher=About.com|access-date=2 January 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071111/http://adoption.about.com/od/adopting/tp/gayadoptionbasics.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Israel====
The issue of same-sex adoption has been the subject of a long-running political and legal battle in Israel that was resolved in December 2023, when the [[Israeli Supreme Court]] interpreted existing law to allow same-sex adoptions, as the law gives absolute priority to the welfare of the child and not to the gender of its parents.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sharon |first1=Jeremy |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-rules-same-sex-adoption-must-be-allowed-in-landmark-decision/|title=High Court rules same-sex adoption must be allowed, in landmark decision &#124; The Times of Israel|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=28 December 2023 |access-date=23 May 2024|archive-date=23 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523174533/https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-rules-same-sex-adoption-must-be-allowed-in-landmark-decision/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1703778566-israeli-high-court-unanimously-rules-in-favor-of-same-sex-adoption | title=I24NEWS | access-date=23 May 2024 | archive-date=23 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523182347/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1703778566-israeli-high-court-unanimously-rules-in-favor-of-same-sex-adoption | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Gay adoption map Israel.svg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in part of West Asia and in Egypt
{{legend|#800080|Gay adoption legal}}
{{legend|#290505|Same-sex sexual activity illegal}}
{{legend|#cccccc|Neither/unknown/ambiguous}}]]

====Taiwan====
Until 2023, members of same-sex couples could only adopt the biological child of their spouse (so-called stepchild adoptions). [[Taiwan]] law allowed for opposite-sex married people to jointly adopt, and also allowed single individuals to adopt, depending on the circumstances, including individual LGBT people. The same-sex marriage law only granted same-sex couples the right to adopt children genetically related to one of the spouses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Taiwan |title=Taiwan's Cabinet passes same-sex marriage bill |url=https://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2,6,10,15,18&post=150370 |website=Taiwan Today |date=22 February 2019 |access-date=8 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231240/https://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2,6,10,15,18&post=150370 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Europe===
{{Main|LGBT adoption in Europe}}
[[File:Same-sex Adoption Map Europe.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Legal status of adoption by same-sex couples in Europe:
{{legend|#800080|Joint adoption legal}}
{{legend|#ba75ff|Stepparent adoption legal}}
{{legend|#c0c0c0|No laws allowing adoption by same-sex couples}}]]

In February 2006, [[France]]'s [[Court of Cassation (France)|Court of Cassation]] ruled that both partners in a same-sex relationship can have parental rights over one partner's biological child. The result came from a case where a woman tried to give parental rights of her two daughters to her partner, with whom she was in a civil union.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000007052082 |title=Court of Cassation, Civil Chamber 1, of February 24, 2006, 04-17.090, Published in the bulletin |language=French |website=Legifrance |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516231452/http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000007052082 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the case of adoption, however, in February 2007, the same court ruled against a lesbian couple where one partner tried to adopt the child of the other partner. The court stated that the woman's partner cannot be recognized unless the mother withdrew her own parental rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000017636127|title=04-15676|language=fr|publisher=Legifrance.gouv.fr|date=20 February 2007|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516003646/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000017636127|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000017636211|title=06-15647|language=fr|publisher=Legifrance.gouv.fr|date=20 February 2007|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515223240/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriJudi.do?idTexte=JURITEXT000017636211|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 May 2013, French President [[François Hollande]] signed into law the bill that opened marriage and adoption rights linked to it for same sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/french-president-signs-gay-marriage-into-law/2013/05/18/69a88f60-bff0-11e2-89c9-3be8095fe767_story.html|author=Angela Charlton|title=French President Signs Gay Marriage Into Law|newspaper=Washington Post|date=18 May 2013|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016013637/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/french-president-signs-gay-marriage-into-law/2013/05/18/69a88f60-bff0-11e2-89c9-3be8095fe767_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1998, a [[nursery school]] teacher from [[Lons-le-Saunier]], living as a couple with another woman, had applied for an authorization to adopt a child from the ''[[département]]'' (local government) of [[Jura (department)|Jura]]. The adoption board recommended against the authorization because the child would lack a paternal reference, and thus the president of the ''département'' ruled against the authorization.<ref name="EB v. France">{{cite web|url=https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-84571|title=E.B. v. France|work=European Court of Human Rights|date=22 January 2008|access-date=20 August 2023|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050526/https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-84571|url-status=live}}</ref> The case was appealed before the administrative courts and ended before the [[Council of State (France)|Council of State]], acting as supreme administrative court, which ruled against the woman.<ref>[[Council of State (France)]], [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriAdmin.do?idTexte=CETATEXT000008117315 ruling 230533] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517064607/http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichJuriAdmin.do?idTexte=CETATEXT000008117315 |date=17 May 2019 }}</ref> The [[European Court of Human Rights]] concluded that these actions and this ruling were a violation of Article 14 of the [[European Convention on Human Rights]] taken in conjunction with Article 8.<ref name="EB v. France"/><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7202521.stm|title=France chided over gay adoption|date=22 January 2008|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=5 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205141531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7202521.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 June 2006, the [[Althing|Icelandic Parliament]] unanimously passed a proposal accepting adoption, parenting and assisted insemination treatment for same-sex couples on the same basis as heterosexual couples. The law went into effect on 27 June 2006.

In [[Bulgaria]], according to the [[Ministry of Justice (Bulgaria)|Ministry of Justice]] the laws regarding adoption "lack a norm, concerning the sexual orientation of the individuals". Therefore, a single gay person or same-sex couples may adopt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adoption-bg.com/page/faqs|title=Frequently asked question – adoptions from Bulgaria|publisher=Family National Association|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920200027/http://www.adoption-bg.com/page/faqs|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adoption-bg.com/|title=Adoption from Bulgaria Family National Association Adoption from Bulgaria|publisher=Family National Association|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231757/http://www.adoption-bg.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 May 2013, the [[Assembly of the Republic (Portugal)|Portuguese parliament]] approved a bill in first reading allowing "co-adoption" of the biological or adopted child of the same-sex spouse or partner, where that spouse or partner is the only legally recognized parent of the child (e.g. the mother with the natural father not being registered). However, in October 2013 members of parliament opposed to the bill proposed a referendum on the issue and killed a motion to have the second vote in the plenary;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://exame.abril.com.br/mundo/noticias/conservadores-barram-direito-de-adocao-a-casais-gays |title=Conservadores barram direito de adoção a casais gays |date=October 25, 2013 |language=Portuguese |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=Exame |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106204524/http://exame.abril.com.br/mundo/noticias/conservadores-barram-direito-de-adocao-a-casais-gays |archive-date=January 6, 2016}}</ref><ref name="parlamento.pt">{{cite web|url=http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=37202|title=Assambleia da República – Status of Bill 278/XII|publisher=Portuguese Parliament|language=pt|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827211802/http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=37202|url-status=live}}</ref> the motion on the possible referendum was then considered,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=38023|title=Assambleia da República – Status of Draft Resolution 857/XII|language=pt|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825144217/http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalheIniciativa.aspx?BID=38023|url-status=live}}</ref> but the [[Constitutional Court of Portugal|Constitutional Court]] declared it unconstitutional.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/acordaos/20140176.html|title=Decision 176/2014|language=pt|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171622/http://www.tribunalconstitucional.pt/tc/acordaos/20140176.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 March 2014, the original bill was rejected in second reading.<ref name="parlamento.pt"/> On 20 November 2015, 5 proposals from several left-wing parties were voted favourably by the new parliament as result of 4 October General Elections.<ref name="parlamento.pt"/>

In July 2014 through [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Croatia|Life Partnership Act]] [[Croatia]] recognized an institution similar to step-child adoption called partner-guardian. A partner who is not a biological parent of a child can share parental responsibilities with a biological parent or parents if they agree to it, or if the court decides it is in the best interest of a child. Additionally, a biological parent or parents can temporarily give a partner who is not a biological parent full parental responsibilities. A partner who is not a biological parent can also gain permanent parental responsibilities through an institution of partner-guardian if both biological parents of a child have died, or exceptionally if a second biological parent of a child is unknown, and if the court decides it is in the best interest of a child.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zakon.hr/z/732/Zakon-o-%C5%BEivotnom-partnerstvu-osoba-istog-spola|title=Zakon o životnom partnerstvu osoba istog spola|language=hr|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214200758/http://www.zakon.hr/z/732/Zakon-o-%C5%BEivotnom-partnerstvu-osoba-istog-spola|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2015, the [[Constitutional Court (Austria)|Constitutional Court of Austria]] found the existing laws on adoption to be unconstitutional and ordered the laws to be changed by 31 December 2015 to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples in Austria.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vienna.at/adoptionsverbot-fuer-homosexuelle-partner-aufgehoben/4202709|title=Adoptionsverbot für homosexuelle Partner aufgehoben|trans-title=Adoption ban for homosexual partners lifted|publisher=Vienna Online|language=de|date=14 January 2015|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327184308/https://www.vienna.at/adoptionsverbot-fuer-homosexuelle-partner-aufgehoben/4202709|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=23025|title=Österreich: Adoptionsverbot für Homo-Paare verfassungswidrig|trans-title=Austria: Adoption ban for homosexual couples is unconstitutional|publisher=Queer.de|language=de|date=14 January 2015|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114041834/https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=23025|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 April 2015, the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 passed by Parliament in March 2015 which extends full adoption rights to cohabiting couples and those in civil partnerships was promulgated by the President of Ireland. The law went into effect a year later on 6 April 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0330/690964-child-and-family-bill/|title=Seanad passes Child & Family Relationship Bill|date=31 March 2015|work=RTÉ.ie|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=20 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620005324/https://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0330/690964-child-and-family-bill/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/seanad2015033000002?opendocument#G00050|title=Seanad Éireann – 30/Mar/2015 Prelude|publisher=[[Oireachtas]]|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126154138/http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/seanad2015033000002?opendocument#G00050|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/what-happens-next-to-the-children-and-family-relationships-bill-1.2159959|title=What happens next to the Children and Family Relationships Bill?|date=31 March 2015|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009041434/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/what-happens-next-to-the-children-and-family-relationships-bill-1.2159959|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.president.ie/en/the-president/2015-legislation.html|title=The President: 2015 Legislation|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171622/http://www.president.ie/en/the-president/2015-legislation.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 November 2015 the [[Assembly of the Republic (Portugal)|Portuguese Parliament]] approved; by 141 votes against 87 with 2 abstentions; a diploma presented by all the parties (except the right-wing [[Portugal Ahead|PàF]]) to allow same-sex adoption. On 26 January 2016, the [[conservative]] Portuguese President [[Aníbal Cavaco Silva]] vetoed the bill and a week later the Portuguese Parliament overridden the veto. The law went into effect on 1 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/portugals-outgoing-president-vetoes-gay-adoption-bill-165320164.html|title=Portugal's outgoing president vetoes gay adoption bill|agency=AFP|work=Yahoo! News|date=25 January 2016|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/world/2016/1/25/portugals-president-vetoes-adoption-rights-gay-couples|title=Portugal's President Vetoes Adoption Rights for Gay Couples|author=Trudy Ring|work=The Advocate|date=25 January 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009092554/https://www.advocate.com/world/2016/1/25/portugals-president-vetoes-adoption-rights-gay-couples|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rights-portugal-adoption-idUKKCN0VJ1Z0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210181641/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rights-portugal-adoption-idUKKCN0VJ1Z0|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 February 2016|title=Portugal parliament overturns veto on adoption by gay couples|date=10 February 2016|agency=Reuters UK|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref>

On 22 June 2016 the [[Italy|Italian]] Supreme Court of Cassation upheld a lower court's decision to approve a request for a lesbian to adopt her partner's daughter. Prosecutors had appealed against the decision by the [[Rome]] court of appeal. Decisions by the supreme court set a precedent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2016/06/22/supreme-court-oks-stepchild-adoption-2_95fc5b74-30d1-4e49-9fa5-4f774b0c31f4.html|title=Supreme court OKs stepchild adoption (2)|agency=[[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata|ANSA]]|date=22 June 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=16 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216112300/http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2016/06/22/supreme-court-oks-stepchild-adoption-2_95fc5b74-30d1-4e49-9fa5-4f774b0c31f4.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2020, [[Hungary]] explicitly legally banned adoption for same-sex couples within its constitution.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/hungary-amends-constitution-redefine-family-effectively-banning-gay-adoption-n1251251 |title=Hungary Amends Constitution to Redefine Family, Effectively Banning Gay Adoption |date=December 15, 2020 |website=NBC News |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204231640/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/hungary-amends-constitution-redefine-family-effectively-banning-gay-adoption-n1251251 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gaycitynews.com/hungary-bans-lgbtq-adoption-rights-in-broad-power-grab/ |title=Hungary Bans LGBTQ Adoption Rights in Broad Power Grab |last=Tracy |first=Matt |date=December 17, 2020 |website=Gay City News |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130113714/https://gaycitynews.com/hungary-bans-lgbtq-adoption-rights-in-broad-power-grab/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2021, a court in [[LGBT rights in Croatia|Croatia]] ruled that same-sex partners have the right to adopt children.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Starcevic|first1=Seb|last2=Savage|first2=Rachel|date=2021-05-06|title=Croatian court backs same-sex adoption in new LGBT+ win|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-croatia-lgbt-family-idUSKBN2CN19I|access-date=2021-05-06|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527044404/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-croatia-lgbt-family-idUSKBN2CN19I|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2022, the High Administrative Court affirmed the ruling and rejected the appeal of the responsible Ministry.<ref name="Jutarnji list"/>

In June 2022, the [[Constitutional Court of Slovenia]] ruled that same-sex partners have the right to jointly adopt.<ref>[https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/10254-slovenia-legalises-same-sex-marriage-adoptions Total-Slovenia-News: Slovenia Legalises Same-Sex Marriage and Adoptions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709012820/https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/10254-slovenia-legalises-same-sex-marriage-adoptions |date=9 July 2022 }}, July 8, 2022</ref> On 4 October 2022, the [[National Assembly (Slovenia)|National Assembly]] (lower chamber of Slovenian parliament) passed the relevant act implementing this judgement, but a week later, the act was vetoed by the [[National Council (Slovenia)|National Council]] (upper chamber of the parliament). This is to be followed by another vote on the act in the National Assembly and potentially a national [[referendum]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.delo.si/novice/slovenija/drzavni-svet-izglasoval-odlozilni-veto-na-spremembe-druzinskega-zakonika/ |title=Z vetom in podpisi proti zakoniku |language=sl |trans-title=With a Veto and Signatures against the Code |date=11 October 2022 |newspaper=Delo.si |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011163758/https://www.delo.si/novice/slovenija/drzavni-svet-izglasoval-odlozilni-veto-na-spremembe-druzinskega-zakonika/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Estonia and Greece since 2024, allows full-joint adoption of children by same-sex couples - along with [[same-sex marriage]] being legalized at the same time.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68310126 |title=Greece legalises same-sex marriage |work=[[BBC]] |date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |access-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215214801/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68310126 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 January 2025, the Czechia will allow same-sex couples “partial adoption” of their own biological child or children - but not full joint adoption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&sc=news&id=332995|title=Out in the World: Czech president signs expanded same-sex partnership rights into law — fight for marriage continues :: Bay Area Reporter|access-date=30 May 2024|archive-date=11 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511095802/https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&sc=news&id=332995|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Oceania===

====Australia====
{{See also|LGBT rights in Australia}}In [[Australia]], same-sex adoption is legal in all states and territories since April 2018.

====New Zealand====
{{See also|LGBT rights in New Zealand}}

The [[Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013]], which came into force on 19 August 2013, allowed [[same-sex marriage in New Zealand|same-sex marriage]] and permitted married same-sex couples to jointly adopt children. Previously, an LGBT individual was able to adopt children, but same-sex couples could not adopt jointly.<ref>{{cite news|author=Isaac Davidson|title=Marriage bill leaves a few inequalities to sort out|date=20 April 2013|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878614|access-date=20 April 2013|archive-date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315141100/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878614|url-status=live}}</ref>

Currently, there are no specific barriers preventing an LGBT individual from adopting children, except that male individuals cannot adopt a female child. Same-sex marriage law became effective from 19 August 2013, and since then married same-sex couples were able to adopt children jointly. Unmarried couples of any sex and couples in a civil union can now jointly adopt children, under a [[New Zealand High Court]] ruling in December 2015. The ban breached the [[New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990]].<ref name="gaynz.com">{{cite news|url=https://vawnet.org/news/same-sex-defacto-couples-secure-right-adopt-gaynzcom-12212015|title=Same-sex defacto couples secure the right to adopt from GayNZ.com, 12/21/2015|publisher=VAW|date=6 January 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232202/https://vawnet.org/news/same-sex-defacto-couples-secure-right-adopt-gaynzcom-12212015|url-status=live}}</ref> The minimum age to adopt in New Zealand is 20 years for a related child, and 25 years or the child's age plus 20 years (whichever is greater) for an unrelated child.

==Summary of laws by jurisdiction==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Asia
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Country
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | LGBT individual may petition to adopt
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couple may jointly petition
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex partner may petition to adopt partner's child
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couples are allowed to foster or stepchild foster
|-
! [[Afghanistan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Armenia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Azerbaijan]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bahrain]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bangladesh]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bhutan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Brunei]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Cambodia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[China]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Chinese Taipei]] 
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[East Timor]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Hong Kong]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[India]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Indonesia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Iran]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Iraq]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Israel]]
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Japan]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} (some prefectures) || {{Yes}} (some prefectures)
|-
! [[Kazakhstan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Kyrgyzstan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Kuwait]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Laos]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Lebanon]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Macau]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Malaysia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Mongolia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Myanmar]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Nepal]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[North Korea]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Oman]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Pakistan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Palestine]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Philippines]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Qatar]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Saudi Arabia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Singapore]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[South Korea]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Sri Lanka]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Syria]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Tajikistan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Thailand]]{{efn|group="asia"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Turkey]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Turkmenistan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[United Arab Emirates]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Uzbekistan]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Yemen]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Vietnam]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|}

{{div col begin}}
{{Notelist|group="asia"}}
{{div col end}}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Europe
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Country
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | LGBT individual may petition to adopt
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couple may jointly petition
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex partner may petition to adopt partner's child
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couples are allowed to foster or stepchild foster
|-
! [[Albania]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Andorra]]{{efn|group="asia"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Austria]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}{{efn|group="eur"|except state of Lower Austria}}
|-
! [[Belgium]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Belarus]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bulgaria]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Croatia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}{{efn|group="eur"|by a final court ruling}}<ref name="Jutarnji list"/> || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/41347-croatia-court-gay-foster |title=Croatia Constitutional Court: Same Sex Couples Can Be Foster Parents |last=Stilin |first=Forrest |date=February 7, 2020 |website=Total Croatia News |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519202527/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/41347-croatia-court-gay-foster |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
! [[Czech Republic]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://praguemonitor.com/2011/06/13/idnescz-first-czech-same-sex-couple-foster-parent-child|title=iDnes.cz: First Czech same-sex couple to foster parent a child|work=Prague Monitor|date=13 June 2011|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022943/http://praguemonitor.com/2011/06/13/idnescz-first-czech-same-sex-couple-foster-parent-child|archive-date=24 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! [[Cyprus]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Denmark]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Estonia]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/22/estonia-legalizes-same-sex-marriage|title=Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage|first=Andres|last=Burgos|date=22 May 2023|work=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Faroe Islands]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Finland]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[France]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} (explicit ban) || {{No}} (explicit ban) || {{No}} (explicit ban)
|-
! [[Germany]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Gibraltar]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Greece]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Guernsey]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Hungary]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} (constitutional ban)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/hungary-amends-its-constitution-to-effectively-ban-adoption-by-same-sex-couples/jx38czt80|title=Hungary amends its constitution to effectively ban adoption by same-sex couples|date=16 December 2020|work=SBS News|publisher=Special Broadcasting Service|agency=Reuters|archive-date=28 June 2023|access-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628221932/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/hungary-amends-its-constitution-to-effectively-ban-adoption-by-same-sex-couples/jx38czt80|url-status=live}}</ref>|| {{No}} (constitutional ban)|| {{No}} (constitutional ban)
|-
! [[Iceland]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Ireland]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Isle of Man]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Italy]]
| {{No}}{{efn|group="eur"|single people may adopt only in exceptional circumstances, independently of their sexual orientation}}|| {{No}} ||{{efn|group="eur"|name="xcep"|but exceptions are made}}<ref name="repubblica.it">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2016/06/22/news/cassazione_si_a_stapchild_adoption-142563271/|title=Cassazione, sì alla stepchild adoption in casi particolari|trans-title=Cassation, OK to stepchild adoption in special cases|language=it|date=22 June 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813082602/https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2016/06/22/news/cassazione_si_a_stapchild_adoption-142563271/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Jersey]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Kosovo]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Latvia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Liechtenstein]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Lithuania]]
| {{No}}{{efn|group="eur"|name="xcep"}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Luxembourg]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Malta]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}}<ref>{{cite news|author=Claudia Calleja|title=Consensus over gay adoption welcomed|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130116/local/Consensus-over-gay-adoption-welcomed.453457|newspaper=Times of Malta|date=16 January 2013|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324162652/https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130116/local/Consensus-over-gay-adoption-welcomed.453457|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Moldova]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Monaco]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Montenegro]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Netherlands]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[North Macedonia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Northern Cyprus]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Norway]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Poland]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Portugal]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Romania]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Russia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} (constitutional ban) || {{No}} (constitutional ban) || {{No}} (constitutional ban)
|-
! [[San Marino]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}<ref name="consigliograndeegenerale.sm"/> || {{No}}
|-
! [[Serbia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Slovakia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Slovenia]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Spain]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Sweden]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Switzerland]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}<ref name="lematin.ch">{{cite news|url=http://www.lematin.ch/suisse/Echec-du-referendum-contre-l-homoparentalite/story/11654450|title=Droit de l'adoption Echec du référendum contre l'homoparentalité|newspaper=Le Matin|trans-title=Failure of the referendum against homosexuality|language=fr|date=4 October 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=3 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903033923/https://www.lematin.ch/suisse/Echec-du-referendum-contre-l-homoparentalite/story/11654450|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="nelfa.org">{{cite web|url=http://nelfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PR-CHStepadoption06172016.pdf|title=Swiss Parliament votes in favour of stepchild adoption|place=Brussels|publisher=NELFA|date=17 June 2016|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001916/http://nelfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PR-CHStepadoption06172016.pdf|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Ukraine]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[United Kingdom]]{{efn|group="eur"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|}

{{div col begin}}
{{Notelist|group="eur"}}
{{div col end}}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ The Americas 
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Country
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | LGBT individual may petition to adopt
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couple may jointly petition
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex partner may petition to adopt partner's child
! scope="col" style="width:140px" | Same-sex couples are allowed to foster or stepchild foster
|-
! [[Anguilla]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Antigua and Barbuda]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Argentina]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Aruba]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bahamas]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Barbados]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bonaire]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Belize]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Bermuda]]
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Bolivia]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Brazil]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[British Virgin Islands]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Canada]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Cayman Islands]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Chile]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Colombia]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Costa Rica]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Cuba]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Curaçao]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Dominica]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Dominican Republic]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
![[Ecuador]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} (constitutional ban || {{No}} (constitutional ban) || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[El Salvador]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Falkland Islands]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[French Guiana]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Greenland]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Grenada]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Guadeloupe]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Guatemala]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Guyana]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Haiti]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Honduras]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} (constitutional ban) || {{No}} (constitutional ban) || {{No}}
|-
! [[Jamaica]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Martinique]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Mexico]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} (some states) || {{Yes}} (some states) || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Montserrat]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Nicaragua]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Paraguay]]
| {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Peru]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Puerto Rico]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Saba (island)|Saba]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Saint Barthélemy]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Saint Lucia]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Collectivity of Saint Martin|Saint Martin]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Saint Pierre and Miquelon]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Sint Eustatius]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Sint Maarten]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Suriname]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Turks and Caicos Islands]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Trinidad and Tobago]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[United States]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[United States Virgin Islands]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|-
! [[Uruguay]]{{efn|group="LAC"|name="ssm"|Same-sex marriage legal}}
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Venezuela]]
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
|}

{{div col begin}}
{{Notelist|group="LAC"}}
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Same-sex marriage]]
* [[Civil union]]
* [[LGBT rights]]
* [[Heterosexism]]
* [[Adoption proceedings of Emma Rose]]
* ''[[Mommy Mommy]]'', a 2007 documentary about a lesbian adoptive couple
* ''[[Preacher's Sons]]'', a 2008 documentary about a gay adoptive couple
* [[Catholic Charities USA#Controversies|Catholic Charities USA § Controversies]]
* [[Same-sex adult adoption]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite book|editor1=Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth |editor2=Lerner, K. Lee |title=Gender issues and sexuality : essential primary sources.|publisher=Thomson Gale|year=2006|isbn=978-1-4144-0325-0|url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/genderissuessexu00klee}} Primary resource collection and readings. Library of Congress. Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
*{{Cite book|editor1=Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth |editor2=Lerner, K. Lee |title=Family in society : essential primary sources.|publisher=Thomson Gale|year=2006|isbn=978-1-4144-0330-4|url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/familyinsocietye00klee}} Primary resource collection and readings. Library of Congress. Jefferson or Adams Bldg General or Area Studies Reading Rms
*Stacey, J. & Davenport, E. (2002) Queer Families Quack Back, in: D. Richardson & S. Seidman (Eds) Handbook of Lesbian and Gay Studies. (London, SAGE Publications), 355–374.
*[[New Zealand Law Commission]]: ''Adoption- Options for Reform: Wellington: New Zealand Law Commission Preliminary Paper No 38'': 1999: {{ISBN|1-877187-44-5}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090208010647/http://www.gay.com/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=362&navpath=%2Fchannels%2Ffamilies%2Fparenting Gay.com – Adoption and Parenting] – News and Current Events pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of same-sex parents in adopting and parenting
*[http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=7f508a13-abed-43cc-a346-f18fbd30250e&k=15909&p=1 Canada.com "In the Family Way"] – News story of gay and lesbian adoptive families, and the surrogate and donor family

{{LGBT |rights=yes}}
{{Adopt}}

[[Category:Same-sex adoption| ]]
[[Category:Adoption forms and related practices]]
[[Category:Adoption, fostering, orphan care and displacement]]
[[Category:Family law]]
[[Category:LGBTQ rights by issue|Adoption]]
[[Category:Adoption controversies]]