Same-sex couples in Victoria are now allowed to adopt a child after adoption laws passed the Victorian parliament on Wednesday. The same-sex adoption legislation was approved through the state’s lower house. It passed the upper house last month, with amendment to give religious organisations power to decline adoption for same-sex couples.

Equality Minister Martin Foley was "deeply disappointed" when the exemption was still intact, saying that the exemption would perpetuate discrimination against same-sex couples.

Catholic Care, a Catholic adoption agency, was the sole faith-based group provides “stranger adoptions” that went against same-sex adoption, according to the ABC.

The widespread support of same-sex adoption has now reached a balance in society according to David Davis, Opposition equality spokesman. He denied that the exception is discriminatory, saying, "Same-sex couples will be able to get services that they need ... this is obviously a balance to be struck, and the balance has been carefully thought through by the Legislative Council"

As for Rainbow Families Council co-convener, Amelia Bassett, the development is considered as a victory.

"This reflects the growing understanding among legislators and the broader community that it's love that makes a family not just biology," she was quoted by the ABC as saying.

Sam Hibbins, Victorian Greens MP also said, "The Greens will continue fighting to achieve adoption equality in full," commenting on the amendment created by the Opposition.

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