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Gay marriage around the globe

Northern European countries were the first to recognise same-sex unions - a trend that picked up in the 1990s and eventually crossed the Atlantic. It became a polarising issue in the 2004 US elections, with voters in many states banning the practice. The BBC News website looks at where same-sex unions have been given the go-ahead, and the often intense debates over them. EUROPE In a number of countries in Europe, the status of "registered partnership" has been established. In 1989, Denmark became the first country to institute legislation granting registered same-sex partners the same rights as married couples. Church weddings

Senate committee to consider same-sex adoption

A bill that would allow same-sex partners to adopt children together is set to get its first hearing in the Senate this afternoon. The measure has already been passed by the House. It would apply to any two, unmarried people who want to adopt a child. Currently only married couples and singles are allowed to adopt but not two unmarried people as a couple. Supporters say it's not just about gay adoption because it would also allow a single parent and another adult, such as a grandparent, to adopt a child together and better provide for that child. Opponents say

Stop the proposed same-sex adoption ban

Same-sex couples have been allowed to adopt in WA since 2002, and in the ACT since 2004. In Tasmania, same-sex step-parent adoption (where one partner is the biological parent of the child) became legal in 2001. The federal Coalition’s proposed Family Law (Same Sex Adoption) Bill will amend the 1975 Family Law Act and override state and territory laws that currently cover international adoptions. Overseas adoptions occur between Australia and other countries that have ratified the Hague convention. The bill is due to be introduced in the spring session of parliament, beginning August 13. If it becomes law, the adopted

Sweden approves same-sex adoption plan

Swedish legislators voted Wednesday to let same-sex couples adopt children -- a decision that gay activists hailed as a step toward gaining the full benefits of marriage. Under the bill, gays registered in a legal partnership, allowed in Sweden since 1995, can be considered joint adoptive parents of children adopted in the country or abroad. One of the partners also will be able to adopt the child of another. The measures, approved after several hours of heated debate in parliament, make the nation of about 9 million people one of the few countries to give homosexuals the right to

New York council backs domestic partnerships

"We voted to make it so that people who are registered domestic partners, members of civil unions or gay marriages from other jurisdictions, will now be recognized as registered New York city domestic partners," said Council Member Christine Quinn, who co-sponsored the measure. "I think it's a big deal symbolically because it's New York kind of going as far as we can in relationship law," Quinn said. "It's also a big deal because it's New York City trying to make relations as equal as we possibly can." Under current city ordinances, same-sex couples who move to the New York must

Churches Condemn Scotland’s Proposals for Same-Sex Adoption as “Immoral”

Since the Scottish government unveiled proposals to approve the rights of child adoption for same-sex and unmarried couples last Friday, churches in Scotland have condemned the move as "gravely immoral" and have expressed their worries regarding the impact the proposals will have on the second generation. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the leader of Scotland's Roman Catholic Church said the plan was "clearly not in the best interests of children". He commented that "such a measure would distort the understanding of the family, cause harm to children and promote the status of homosexual relationships", according to the Scotsman. "Homosexual unions are notoriously fragile and

Same-sex couples enjoy tax boost

Under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (CPA), same-sex couples who go through a civil partnership will be able to transfer assets between themselves with no more tax liability than married couples. However, the rules limiting married couples' options on tax will also apply to civil partners. Pension tax legislation has also be amended to include civil partners. Registered civil partners will be able to make gifts or bequests to their partners with the benefits of Inheritance Tax (IHT) or Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption and will have their own form of married couple's allowance. But also on a par with

Rights call for same-sex couples

Homosexual couples should be allowed to claim damages in court for the loss of their partner, according to Scotland's leading legal review body. The Scottish Law Commission wants to give same-sex couples the same right to sue as those in heterosexual relationships. It is recommending a change in the law to allow surviving gay cohabiting partners to be classified as "immediate family". More : news.bbc.co.uk

Adoption Tax Credits

Uncle Sam understands that adoption proceedings can be an expensive undertaking, which is why the Small Business Job Protection Act created a nonrefundable credit for qualified adoption expenses and a new exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance programs. Congress created these new tax benefits because of a belief that the financial costs of the adoption process should not be a barrier to adoption and to encourage not only regular adoption, but also adoption of children with special needs. And the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 went even farther to expand the credit. Let's take a look.

Same sex couples allowed to adopt

Same-sex parents in Nova Scotia are now allowed to adopt children as a couple, following a decision from the province's supreme court. Justice Deborah Gass ruled the law against same-sex adoption was unconstitutional because it discriminates on the basis of marital status and sexual orientation. Kim Vance, president of EGALE Canada, a national gay and lesbian advocacy group, says it's a landmark ruling for gays and lesbians in Nova Scotia. "This means that I can [adopt a child with my partner] knowing that we won't have to fight any of these battles." See related Web site: EGALE Canada A lesbian