First Gay Couple Cleared to Adopt In the Czech Republic

The act previously stated that while gay couples cannot officially marry in the Czech Republic, they can legally obtain a registered partnership that grants many of the rights of a traditional marriage including inheritance, alimony, and spousal privilege.

But not all rights were covered: Laws governing registered partnerships also contained a provision that forbade same-sex couples from adopting children.

The defendant in that case, Petr Laně, was initially prohibited from being entered into the register of suitable applicants for adoption due to his status in a registered partnership.

Under the current ruling, one member of the registered partnership is given the same rights as a single individual in being allowed to apply for adoption. 

According to the publication, both men have successfully completed all the training, psychological screening, and other requirements necessary to become adoptive parents in the Czech Republic.

“We both had to go through it all, despite [the fact that I am the one who will be recognized as the parent] because only married couples can currently adopt a child,” Laně told the publication.

The couple, who has had their nursery ready for half a year already, does not yet know the gender, age, or nationality of their child, but say that the most important thing is that they give the child a better life.