LGBT adoption in Europe


Adoption by LGBT people in Europe differs in legal recognition from country to country. Full joint adoption or step-child adoption or both is legal in 23 of the 56 European countries, and in all dependent territories.
Full joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in seventeen European countries, namely Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Another five, namely, Estonia, Italy, Slovenia, San Marino and Switzerland permit step-child adoption in which the registered partner can adopt the biological and, in some cases, the adopted child of his or her partner. In Croatia, a life partner may become a partner-guardian over their partner's child, which is to a great extent comparable to step-child adoption. In Greece, same-sex couples in a civil partnership may become foster - but not adoptive - parents.
In dependent territories, joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Guernsey, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the Isle of Man and Jersey. Several countries are currently considering permitting full joint or step-child adoption by same-sex couples.

Current situation

Joint adoption

Step-child adoption

Other

Future legislation

JurisdictionEntry into forceNotes
Czech RepublicTBD
SwitzerlandTBD
  • A same-sex marriage bill with joint adoption is being currently discussed in Parliament

    • Public opinion

    According to pollster Gallup Europe, women, younger generations, and the highly educated are more likely to support same-sex marriage and adoption rights for gay people than other demographics.