German Constitutional Court extended adoption rights of gay couples

The highest court in Germany has expanded its adoption laws for gay couples, bringing them in line with rules that might involve heterosexual couples. Judges have shown that existing legislation is discriminatory.

Under the new legislation, if one partner adopted a child, the other partner has the right to become adoptive mother or father of the child. Until now, they could just adopt partner's biological children, notes Deutsche Welle http://www.dw.de/germanys-top-court-extends-gay-adoption-law/a-16609658?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf).

This aspect of adoption law previously applied only to heterosexual couples. And this distinction is against basic laws of Germany, so it is unconstitutional, says the court's decision.

Also, it showed that a homosexual couple can care for a child as well as a heterosexual couple.

"During the civil partnership marriage, adoption ensures legal security and material benefits children in terms of care, support and national laws of inheritance," said Chief Justice.