Gays can finally adopt. In Europe, that is. Human Rights Watch has an article on a new European Court of Human Rights ruling that says “Sexual orientation should not be a factor in determining the best interest of the child…Prejudice should never interfere with giving children the care and love they deserve.”
The court, ruling on January 22, 2008 in the case of E.B. v. France, held by 10 votes to seven that the French authorities’ refusal of a lesbian’s application to obtain authorization to adopt a child on the grounds of her sexual orientation was unlawful. The court said France had violated Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) and Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“This groundbreaking ruling means governments can’t use sexual orientation to stop someone from adopting a child,” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Program at Human Rights Watch. “Adoption decisions should be based on the best interests of the child, uncontaminated by prejudice.”
Read the full article here.
Gays are still routinely denied adoption rights in the US, by the way. Europe continues to be miles ahead.
Posted by papastuck 