21.   But gay couples cannot adopt children.

22.   But she said traditional marriage would retain its special protection under the constitution, and ruled out allowing same-sex couples to adopt.

23.   Denmark and Iceland also let gay couples adopt children in certain circumstances.

24.   Dutch bishops Wednesday condemned gay marriages and a government proposal that would allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

25.   Few European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt.

26.   Homosexual partnerships became legally binding in Finland on Friday, but the new law does not allow gay couples to adopt children or use the same surname.

27.   In September, lawmakers passed a government proposal to make homosexual partnerships legally binding but stopped short of allowing gay couples adopt children or use the same surname.

28.   It is presently very difficult for a couple to adopt a child.

29.   Judith Kilshaw is in Italy to gather information on which European countries will allow a British couple to adopt a child, her husband Alan said.

30.   Lawmakers passed a government proposal on Friday that makes homosexual partnerships legally binding but stops short of letting gay couples adopt children or use the same surname.