David Friedman/Getty
By Jordan Heller
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Gay New Yorkers may not yet be able to marry, but thanks to a new measure signed into law by Gov. David Paterson on Sunday, they can jointly adopt a child.
The new law permits unmarried partners, includes gay couples, to adopt. The new adoption statute also changes the gender-specific term "husband and wife" to the gender-neutral term "married couple," according to the New York Post. This change recognizes the right of same-sex couples legally married elsewhere to adopt.
Prior to the new law, gay individuals were permitted to adopt, but now adopted children are entitled to support, insurance and other benefits from both adults, the paper reported.
