Story perspectives

Ecuador bans single LGBT people from adoption in reform law

8/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ecuador's National Assembly passed an adoption reform law barring single LGBT people, voting 118-0 with 25 abstentions.
President Daniel Noboa signed the law on August 13, and it became effective August 14, 2026.
Human Rights Watch says the law permits stripping parental authority if parents support gender-affirming care for transgender children.
The constitution limits adoption to different-sex couples; the new law adds a heterosexual requirement for single adopters.

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Story summary

Ecuador's National Assembly passed an adoption reform law barring single LGBT people, voting 118-0 with 25 abstentions.
President Daniel Noboa signed the law on August 13, and it became effective August 14, 2026.
Human Rights Watch says the law permits stripping parental authority if parents support gender-affirming care for transgender children.
The constitution limits adoption to different-sex couples; the new law adds a heterosexual requirement for single adopters.