SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Lawmakers in Puerto Rico have taken a first step toward adopting legislation that would give priority to married couples seeking to adopt.
Nineteen senators voted in favor of the measure Monday while eight opposed it. The proposal now goes to the House of Representatives.
Opponents say the measure discriminates against those who are single and couples who live together without being married.
Secretary of Family Affairs Yanitsia Irizarry says she has concerns about the proposal's language and plans to meet with the governor.
The proposal also would create an adoption registry office and allow mothers to give up newborns less than 72 hours old at hospitals without being charged with abandonment.
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