Same-Sex Couples Jump at Internal Adoption
Same-sex families gathered in downtown Helsinki in May to celebrate the passing of the internal adoption bill.
Image: YLE
Dozens of couples living in registered same gender relationships are filing adoption applications in anticipation of new legislation that comes into force in September.
Female couples have been particularly active in seeking custody. In Helsinki and Tampere, all of the couples turning in adoption paperwork have been women.
Outi Hannula, chair of the Sexual Equality Association SETA, says some municipalities have been better prepared than others to handle incoming adoption papers.
Save the Children Finland, a child rights NGO, is urging couples to expect waits of around one year for officials to finalise adoption decisions.
District courts make adoption decisions based on recommendations issued by local adoption offices.
Law Improves Legal Rights of Children
In May the Finnish parliament passed a bill allowing internal adoption among partners of registered same gender relationships.
The aim of the legislation is to promote the legal rights of children within a registered same sex partnership.
YLE