CONGRATS! South Australian same-sex couples can adopt children from Friday

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Friday marks a momentous day for same-sex couples in South Australia, as adoption rights become legal.

Changes to legislation passed late in 2016 come into effect on Friday 17 February.

CONGRATS! South Australian same-sex couples can adopt children from Friday

The changes mean same-sex couples can adopt children.

A bill to allow the change was passed, one of several to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the state.

The day will be marked by Child Development Minister Susan Close, who will meet with same-sex couples and their children at Parliament House.

Following a narrow parliamentary vote, the Australian territory of Queensland also last year voted to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

It comes as LGBT activists are still fighting for same-sex marriage rights in the country, with the government still pledging to hold a public vote on the issue rather than deciding it in parliament.

The delays have drawn criticism from celebrities including Natalie Imbruglia and Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill, who asked: ā€œWhatā€™s the matter with this constipated parliament?ā€

Still, at least todayā€™s vote is some cheer for Aussie LGBT people, along with the news that the country will be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time next year.