Portugal, open the way for second-parent adoption rights for same-sex couples

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The Network of European LGBT Families Associations (NELFA) rejoices in  parliamentary vote in Portugal, opening the way for second-parent adoption rights for same-sex couples (i.e. couples already raising children together but where only one of the parents is legally recognised). Portuguese children being raised by two fathers or two mothers will be better protected under the law.

Until the very last minute of the voting process it was not clear if the legal proposal, introduced by the Socialist Party, would master enough support among other political groups to be approved. Finally, parliamentarians decided to vote on the right side of History. The proposal was approved with 99 votes in favour and 94 against, with a few abstentions.

NELFA is particularly grateful for the extraordinary work that our Portuguese members - ILGA Portugal and their Rainbow Families Group - did in order to change the hearts and minds of many parliamentarians in recent weeks.

NELFA hopes that in the near future, Portuguese parliamentarians will move further in their stance and open full adoption rights not only to second-parents but to all loving couples considering parenthood, despite their sexual orientation and gender composition.

For media contacts:
Luís Amorim - NELFA Board member (Portuguese, English, French, Spanish)
+32 (0)0473 76 50 70
www.nelfa.org

About NELFA: The Network of European LGBT Families Associations (NELFA) is the European platform for national associations and groups of LGBTs with children or planning to have children. NELFA is represented in 12 European countries and has 19 national members. NELFA is a proud founding partner of International Family Equality Day (http://internationalfamilyequalityday.org/).