Same-Sex Adoption Around the World: Where Can LGBTQ Couples Adopt?

Same-sex adoption is the legal process through which LGBTQ+ couples or individuals adopt a child. Joint adoption by same-sex couples is now legal in 37 countries worldwide, according to Equaldex data tracked by Our World in Data. In the UK, same-sex couples have had the full legal right to adopt since the Adoption and Children Act 2002 came into force in 2005, and the numbers keep rising: 1 in 5 adoptions in England in 2024 involved same-sex couples, up from just 1 in 31 in 2013.

This guide from CoParents.co.uk, a co-parenting and family-building platform with over 150,000 users since 2008, takes a closer look at where same-sex adoption is legal around the world, how the process works in the UK, what research says about LGBTQ+ parenting, and how to get started.

Where Is Same-Sex Adoption Legal in Europe?

Europe leads the world in LGBTQ+ adoption rights. As of 2025, 23 European countries allow joint adoption by same-sex couples, with Greece and Estonia joining the list in 2024. The full list of European countries where same-sex couples can jointly adopt includes:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

In countries like Czechia, Italy and San Marino, adoption by same-sex couples is limited to second-parent adoption, meaning a person can adopt their partner’s biological child but joint adoption of a non-related child is not yet permitted. Russia remains the most restrictive major European country, having banned international adoption to nations that have legalised same-sex marriage. Georgia passed legislation in 2024 explicitly banning adoption by same-sex couples.

How Does Same-Sex Adoption Work in the UK?

The UK has been one of the most progressive countries for same-sex adoption since the early 2000s. Under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which came into force in 2005, both same-sex couples and single LGBTQ+ individuals can apply to adopt on exactly the same terms as heterosexual applicants. Adoption agencies are required by law to treat all applicants equally regardless of sexual orientation.

To be eligible for same-sex adoption in the UK, you must be over 21, able to provide a stable and loving home, and pass the necessary background checks and assessments. The process typically involves an initial enquiry, preparation training, a home study assessment by a social worker (known as the Stage 1 and Stage 2 process in England), and approval by an adoption panel. The average time from a child entering care to moving in with their adoptive family was 883 days in 2023-24, according to the Department for Education.

Once approved, same-sex parents who adopt have identical legal rights and parental responsibilities to heterosexual adoptive parents. This includes decision-making authority over the child’s education, healthcare and upbringing.

What Do the Statistics Say About Same-Sex Adoption in the UK?

The growth in LGBTQ+ adoption in England has been remarkable. In 2024, 20% of all adoptions (580 children) were by same-sex couples, whether married, in a civil partnership, or neither. This represents a dramatic increase from 9.6% in 2016 and just 3.2% in 2013.

According to Adoption Matters, nearly 30% of adopters they approved in 2024 identified as LGBTQ+, suggesting the actual figure across all agencies may be even higher once bisexual adopters, transgender parents not in same-sex relationships, and single LGBTQ+ adopters are included.

There are currently around 3,000 children waiting for adoption in England, with over half part of a sibling group. Adoption charities actively welcome LGBTQ+ applicants and highlight the urgent need for more adopters from all backgrounds.

Is Same-Sex Adoption Legal in North America?

In the United States, same-sex adoption is legal across all 50 states following the 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalised same-sex marriage nationwide. A 2016 ruling subsequently overturned Mississippi’s ban on gay adoption, making joint LGBTQ+ adoption legal everywhere in the country. According to a 2024 report from the Williams Institute at UCLA, approximately 21% of same-sex parents have adopted children, compared with just 3% of different-sex parents.

In Canada, adoption by same-sex couples has been legal since 2011. Costa Rica and Cuba also legalised it in 2020 and 2022 respectively.

Where Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in South America?

South America has seen significant progress. The countries and territories where same-sex couples can jointly adopt include:

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, as well as the Falkland Islands, French Guiana, and Puerto Rico. Mexico permits same-sex adoption in most states following Supreme Court rulings, although implementation varies.

However, other parts of the region remain hostile. In Guyana and Jamaica, homosexuality itself is still criminalised, making adoption by same-sex couples impossible. The Caribbean remains one of the most challenging regions globally for LGBTQ+ rights.

What Is the Situation in Africa and Asia?

In Africa, South Africa remains the only country where same-sex marriage and adoption are both legal. LGBTQ+ rights across most of the continent remain severely limited, and several countries have introduced or strengthened anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years.

In Asia, adoption by same-sex couples is legal in just three jurisdictions: Israel (since 2008), Taiwan (since 2023), and Thailand (since 2025). Thailand became the latest country to legalise same-sex adoption alongside its marriage equality law. Tel Aviv continues to be recognised as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities globally, and Israel’s progressive stance on adoption contrasts sharply with the rest of the region.

Same-Sex Adoption in Australia and New Zealand

Same-sex adoption is legal in all Australian states and territories. The Northern Territory was the last jurisdiction to legalise it in April 2018. In New Zealand, same-sex couples have been able to adopt since the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 came into force.

Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt a Child From Another Country?

International same-sex adoption is complex and depends on the laws of both the child’s country of origin and the adoptive parents’ home country. As a general rule, same-sex couples cannot adopt internationally from countries where this type of adoption is not legal. Even where it is technically permitted, practical barriers such as cultural attitudes and agency policies may restrict access.

If you are considering overseas adoption, it is essential to obtain legal advice from an international adoption specialist. The UK government’s intercountry adoption guidance provides a starting point for understanding the process.

What Does Research Say About Children Raised by Same-Sex Parents?

Decades of research consistently show that children raised by same-sex parents develop just as well as those raised by heterosexual parents. The American Psychological Association supports adoption by same-sex couples, noting that social prejudice — not parental sexual orientation — is the primary source of any challenges these families face. The American Medical Association has issued similar findings.

Research published by CoramBAAF suggests that gay fathers actually show greater levels of interaction with their adopted children than other types of parents. A 2010 study of 56 lesbian and gay households found no significant differences in child adjustment based on parental sexual orientation, and a 2009 study of 1,384 children concluded that behavioural outcomes were unrelated to whether parents were same-sex or opposite-sex.

These findings reinforce what adoption professionals in the UK already know: what matters most is the commitment, stability and love a parent provides, not their sexual orientation.

Alternative Paths to LGBTQ+ Parenthood

Same-sex adoption is one of several routes to parenthood for LGBTQ+ people. Others include surrogacy, sperm donation, egg donation and co-parenting arrangements. Co-parenting — where two or more people agree to raise a child together without being in a romantic relationship — has become increasingly popular among LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Platforms like CoParents.co.uk connect people looking for co-parenting partners, sperm donors and surrogacy arrangements. Whether you choose adoption, co-parenting or assisted reproduction, the most important step is understanding your legal rights and planning carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is same-sex adoption legal in the UK?

Yes. Same-sex adoption has been legal in England and Wales since 2005 under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, and in Scotland since 2009. Same-sex couples and single LGBTQ+ individuals can apply to adopt on exactly the same basis as heterosexual applicants. In 2024, 20% of all adoptions in England were by same-sex couples.

How many countries allow same-sex adoption worldwide?

As of 2025, joint same-sex adoption is legal in 37 countries, according to data compiled by Equaldex. An additional 3 countries permit second-parent adoption only, and 71 jurisdictions allow single LGBTQ+ individuals to adopt even where joint adoption by couples is not available.

Does same-sex adoption affect a child’s wellbeing?

No. Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that children raised by same-sex parents show no differences in emotional, social or developmental outcomes compared to those raised by heterosexual parents. Major organisations including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association support adoption by LGBTQ+ parents based on this evidence.

How long does the same-sex adoption process take in the UK?

The process typically takes 6 to 12 months from initial enquiry to approval, followed by a matching period that varies depending on the child’s needs and availability. The Department for Education reports that the average time from a child entering care to placement with an adoptive family was 883 days in 2023-24.

What are the alternatives to same-sex adoption for LGBTQ+ parents?

LGBTQ+ people can also become parents through surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, fostering, and co-parenting arrangements. CoParents.co.uk helps connect people exploring these options. Each route has different legal, financial and practical implications, so seeking professional advice is recommended.