Same Sex Couple Allowed To Adopt Their Own Son, Court Rules in Landmark Decision

Two 45-year-old men have been allowed to adopt their five-year-old, conceived through a surrogate in the United States, by Singapore's High Court on grounds of prioritising the child's wellbeing. According to the South China Morning Post, three judges ruled the adoption bid by James and Shawn on 17 December to “increase the child’s prospects of acquiring Singapore citizenship and securing long-term residence in Singapore”. The five-year-old boy, Noel, is an American citizen. The judgement means James can adopt Noel as a single parent, which gives James sole rights and responsibility for the child. This includes applying for Singapore citizenship. Singapore has a law banning gay sex and the government has said any change to legislation will need to take into account public opinion, which is deeply divided over the issue.