Colombia legalises same-sex adoption in landmark ruling

Colombia’s constitutional court has overturned a ban against adoptions by same-sex couples, the BBC reports.

In a landmark 6-2 vote following hours of debate, the court said yesterday that adoption agencies could not discriminate against LGBT couples, as this “limits children’s right to a family”.

“A person’s sexual orientation or gender are not in and of themselves indicative of a lack of moral, physical or mental suitability to adopt,” said chief justice Maria Victoria Calle Correa.

Previously, gay couples could only adopt a child if one partner was a biological parent.

The Catholic Church was quick to denounce the policy change as a violation of children’s rights and of the conservative sentiments of most Colombians.

Reiterating their demand for a referendum, a church spokesman said, “We have the right so that the voice of the majority of Colombians is heard. The court is there to take care of the laws, not change them.”

Meanwhile, supporters said lifting the restrictions could help in streamlining the adoption of 10,000 currently in the custody of Colombia’s welfare agencies, according to the Guardian.

The ruling adds Colombia to a short list of South American countries where gay couples can adopt, including Argentina and Brazil. The socially conservative country has seen recent advances in LGBT rights, but has yet to legalise same-sex marriage.

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