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State Laws and Legislation

Massachusetts Adoption Law

Permits single GLBT individuals to petition to adopt? Yes.
(MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 210, § 1)

Permits a same-sex couple to jointly petition to adopt? Yes.
(Adoption of Tammy, 619 N.E.2d 315 (Mass. 1993))

Permits a same-sex co-parent to petition to adopt partner’s child or child of the relationship? Yes.
In 1993, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a same-sex co-parent could adopt her partner’s biological child. (Adoption of Tammy, 619 N.E.2d 315 (Mass. 1993))

Details: Massachusetts recognizes marriage equality, providing married same-sex couples with equal marriage rights under state law.

Updated: Wed, December 09, 2009 - 1:00:23