Same-sex adoption bill passed with religious exemptions

The Upper House has passed a bill allowing same sex couples to adopt in Victoria.

But religious organisations will be exempt.

The issue was debated passionately for more than six hours in parliament last night.

Those in favour of allowing same-sex couples to adopt spoke about the need to end discrimination in the state, while those opposed to same-sex adoption questioned whether allowing gay adoption was in the best interest of the child.

Coalition MPs were given a conscience vote on the bill, which was passed 31 to 8.

It was, however, amended to allow religious exemptions to continue.

That means the bill will now return to the Lower House for consideration of the amendments.