Germany's highest court on Tuesday strengthened the rights of same-sex couples to adopt, though stopped short of allowing gay and lesbian civil partnerships unlimited freedom to become adoptive parents.

The Constitutional Court ruled as expected that one member of a civil partnership must be given the right to adopt their partner's stepchild or adopted child. Until now, unlike heterosexual married couples, they were only able to adopt a partner's biological child.

WASHINGTON – The “All Children – All Families” initiative of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation today announced a new partnership with RaiseAChild.US, a nonprofit with the mission to promote and encourage the LGBT community to build families of their own through fostering and adoption.

The pilot project will produce recruitment events and media campaigns in major cities across the country, raising visibility of LGBT parents and the fostering and adoption process.

SAN FRANCISCO — The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) applauds the California Court of Appeal decision confirming that when a same-sex couple raises a child together who was legally adopted by only one of the partners, both parents should be recognized under California law. NCLR submitted an amicus brief to the Court of Appeal in the case supporting recognition of both parents.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has voiced some support for gay rights, but stopped short of endorsing gay marriage or adoption.

Aquino made the comments during a visit to New York, where same-sex unions were legalised in July.

The Philippines has a vibrant gay scene and a gay political party which has been pushing for an anti-discrimination bill for 11 years.

But the Roman Catholic Church remains opposed to the Bill, claiming it will open the door to gay marriage.