(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Belgian adults believe gay and lesbian partners should not raise minors, according to a poll by La Libre Belgique. 54 per cent of respondents are opposed to allowing same-sex couples to adopt children, while 46 per cent support the proposal.

Belgium legalized same-sex marriage in January 2003, in an extensive reform package that included specific provisions for euthanasia. The legislation does not currently allow gay and lesbian partners to raise minors. Last month, a Federal Parliament justice committee began analyzing proposals on the issue.

In May, Flemish equal opportunities minister Kathleen van Brempt explained the rationale for changes in an op-ed piece published in La Derniere Heure. Van Brempt argued that, with in-vitro fertilization and women who have become mothers before entering into a same-sex marriage, "Twelve percent of (Belgian) children grow up in gay, lesbian or bisexual families already."

Belgium's Socialist and Green parties support allowing same-sex couples to adopt, while the rightist Flemish Bloc (VB) is opposed.

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