SAME-SEX couples will be given the same adoption rights as married couples under changes to legislation to be tabled in Parliament today.
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Children's Minister Michelle O'Byrne will table an amendment to the Adoption Act allowing same-sex couples to adopt children given up by their birth parents.
Under existing laws, only married couples have that option and same-sex couples can only adopt a child who is a relative or step-child.
The amendment extends the same adoption rights to same-sex and de-facto couples who have registered a significant relationship under the Relationships Act.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome welcomed the decision, saying it was in the best interests of children.
``This bill is about what is best for children because it allows adoption agencies the fullest range of potential adoptive parents to choose from,'' Mr Croome said.
Mr Croome said a number of same-sex couples acting as foster parents may look to adopt their children.
``Same-sex couples are just as capable as opposite-sex couples of providing children in need with a safe, secure, loving home life,'' he said.
The move will see Tasmania join Western Australia, the ACT and New South Wales in allowing same-sex adoption of children they are not related to.
It is the latest in a string of progressive social policies from the government, including same-sex marriage, euthanasia, decriminalisation of abortion and surrogacy laws.
Ms O'Byrne said strict criteria around adoptions would be enforced.
``If an individual or couple is seeking to adopt a child, they must meet stringent suitability criteria and have their capacity to care for a child thoroughly assessed,'' Ms O'Byrne said.
``The adoptive child's best interests will be the paramount concern.''
The government will today launch a position paper on the subject.
There are 329 significant registered relationships in Tasmania, equally split between heterosexual and same-sex couples.
The Department of Health and Human Services consulted on changes to the Act last year.