URUGUAY FIRST LATIN AMERICAN NATION TO APPROVE GAY ADOPTION RIGHTS

Irish Times - Uruguay's parliament voted yto extend adoption rights to to gay couples, the latest measure relaxing laws on homosexuality to draw criticism from Church leaders in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. Members of Congress said the law makes Uruguay the first Latin American country to let gay couples adopt. The measure, which must still be signed by President Tabare Vazquez, also for the first time allows unmarried couples to adopt. Gay people are allowed to adopt under Uruguayan law, but as individuals rather than jointly as a couple. Gay marriage remains illegal.