VIENNA — Austria’s Constitutional Court has ruled that gay couples have the same right as heterosexuals to adopt children.
Before the decision Wednesday, gay partners could adopt a child only if one of them was the child’s biological parent.
Explaining the decision, chief judge Gerhart Holzinger says there is “no objective argument for a differing rule based solely on sexual orientation” of the parents.
He says the adoption restriction contravened anti-discrimination statutes of the European Human Rights Convention.
Gays still cannot marry in Austria, although couples formally registered as living together enjoy many of the rights that married heterosexual couples do.
Related Stories
Latest Articles
-
Local & StateCost to fix Maine's busiest highway bridge 50% higher than expected
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: Speak out against metastasizing scourge of online sexual harassment
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: Offshore wind projects will add to hazards faced by coastal mariners
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: People with anxiety disorders deserve acceptance, treatment
-
LettersLetter to the editor: Taxpayers won't benefit if state takes back full cost of teacher retirement
