CONGRATS! South Australian same-sex couples can adopt children from Friday
Friday marks a momentous day for same-sex couples in South Australia, as adoption rights become legal.
Changes to legislation passed late in 2016 come into effect on Friday 17 February.
The changes mean same-sex couples can adopt children.
A bill to allow the change was passed, one of several to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the state.
The day will be marked by Child Development Minister Susan Close, who will meet with same-sex couples and their children at Parliament House.
Following a narrow parliamentary vote, the Australian territory of Queensland also last year voted to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.
It comes as LGBT activists are still fighting for same-sex marriage rights in the country, with the government still pledging to hold a public vote on the issue rather than deciding it in parliament.
The delays have drawn criticism from celebrities including Natalie Imbruglia and Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill, who asked: “What’s the matter with this constipated parliament?”
Still, at least today’s vote is some cheer for Aussie LGBT people, along with the news that the country will be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time next year.
