Lesbian Couples Face Legal Hurdles for Parental Recognition in Germany

The European Court of Human Rights upholds Germany's requirement for second-parent adoption, sparking calls for reform.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Germany's refusal to list two mothers on a birth certificate does not violate rights, requiring the non-birthing partner to adopt the child.
Lesbian couples in Germany face a lengthy and often invasive adoption process to gain legal parental recognition for both partners.
A proposed reform to grant automatic parental rights to both mothers at birth remains stalled due to political uncertainty following a coalition collapse.
Advocates argue the current law discriminates against same-sex couples, contrasting the automatic recognition of paternity for male partners.
The case highlights ongoing legal battles and societal challenges faced by queer families in securing equal parental rights.