A NEW ruling which meant gay couples can adopt children in the Isle of Man was passed in April.

This followed the implementation of an amendment to the Civil Partnership Act in the Island.

Previously adoption was restricted to married couples or to single adopters.

Catriona Morris, manager of the Isle of Man Adoption Service (IOMAS) said: "This amendment to the Adoption Act should be a real positive for those children – both Manx and from elsewhere in the British Isles - who need a permanent family by way of adoption.

"Previously if a couple wished to adopt a child and were not married, only one of the couple could adopt.

"The amendment allows those couples who have been together for some time but who have not chosen to marry, and same sex couples - whether in a civil partnership or long term relationship, to be considered as future adoptive parents.

"If approved and a child placed in their care, they can apply together to be joint parents legally for that child.

"I hope this will encourage more families on the Island to think positively about providing a lifelong home for a child who for many reasons can no longer live with their original family."

This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.