This article is all about the justice and equality for the LGBTQIA+ Community[1] India. The right to adoption rights for LGBTQIA+ Community for better future ahead for them and what kind of new laws which will be better for their future and recent legal developments. This paper highlights the need for inclusive adoption laws that promote equality and provide a supportive environment for children's regardless their parents sexual orientation.

Introduction
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956[2] and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015[3] both regulate the adoption process in India. Only traditional couples (a man and a woman) and single people are currently permitted to adopt children in the nation.

However, after landmark rulings like Navtej Singh v. Union of India[4] and the acknowledgement of transgender people as the third gender, tremendous progress has been made in recent years towards inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite these developments, there is still no consensus about the acceptance of same-sex marriage and adoption rights for LGBTQIA+ people.

Although the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act[5] gives transgender people the right to adopt, there is no explicit law that permits same-sex couples or LGBTQIA+ people to adopt. They are denied the fundamental right to begin a family and to create a safe haven for vulnerable children as a result of the inadequate legal framework. Although homosexuality has been decriminalized through an amendment to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, discriminatory legislation and social attitudes have prevented their equitable participation in the adoption process.

Adoption by same-sex couples was previously forbidden under discriminatory provisions in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children Act) (Describe the 2017 Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act. An Act to Consolidate and Amend the Law Relating to Children Alleged to be in Conflict with the Law and Children Needing Care and Protection by Meeting Their Basic Needs Through Proper Care, Protection, Development, Treatment, and Social Re-Integration by Adopting a Child-Friendly Approach in the Adjudication), which were removed in 2020.

The main goal of this amendment[6] was to make the child's best interests the top priority during the adoption procedure. Even while this amendment is a step in the right direction, there is still much to be done to guarantee that everyone has equal access to adoption.

In a democratic country like India, there should be no place for discrimination and a goal of equality under the law. To address the problems that the LGBTQIA+ population faces, which lead to countless concerns and challenges, some discriminatory[7] laws must be changed. Equal treatment and preservation of their constitutional rights as outlined in Articles 19[8], 20[9], 21[10], 21A[11], and 22[12] are due to all Indian citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

All of India's citizens must be treated equally and without prejudice[13] as a sovereign, democratic, and republican nation. It is crucial to understand that a proper standard for conducting affairs applies to everyone, regardless of adherence to conventional conventions. All citizens of the nation should have access to fundamental rights, such as the ability to adopt, in order to promote a society in which there is genuine equality and no room for prejudice.

India, the path for equal adoption rights for LGBTQIA+ people is still open. Although great progress has been made as a result of court decisions and legislation changes, more work has to be done in order to create a comprehensive legal system that upholds the rights and dignity of every person. It is crucial to maintain equality and inclusivity in a democratic country, abandoning discriminatory practices and embracing a culture that upholds and defends the rights of every citizen.

The following changes should be made to adoption laws:

Eliminating Heteronormative[14] wording Adoption laws should be changed to remove wording that implies adoption only occurs between heterosexual couples[15]. Instead, the emphasis ought to be placed on how suitable potential parents are based on their capacity to create a loving environment for a child.

Gender-Neutral Terminology[16] adopting would stop discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people and couples who want to adopt children by ensuring that adoption rules do not exclude people based on their gender identities.

The meaning of family It will encourage inclusivity and recognize shifting societal norms to broaden the definition of family in adoption laws to encompass various family arrangements, such as same-sex couples and LGBTQIA+ people.

Equal Treatment and No Discrimination

Anti-Discrimination It is critical that laws protecting LGBTQIA+ people and couples from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are passed. All facets of the adoption procedure, such as eligibility, assessment, and placement, should be covered by these laws.

Best Interests of the Child making sure that the child's welfare and the practice of discrimination are protected by making the best interests of the child the most important factor in adoption cases, regardless of the prospective parents' sexual orientation or gender identity.

Social Workers and Adoption Agencies:

Education and Sensitization[17] Comprehensive[18] training on LGBTQIA+ concerns, cultural competency, and the particular difficulties faced by potential LGBTQIA+ parents should be provided to adoption agencies and social professionals participating in the adoption process. They will be able to offer impartial and helpful services all along the adoption process due to this.

LGBTQIA+ Representation: Fostering diversity and inclusion within adoption agencies by promoting LGBTQIA+ representation in decision-making processes would guarantee a more accepting and understanding atmosphere for potential LGBTQIA+ parents.

Awareness and Education:

Campaigns for Public Education Starting public education initiatives aiming at eradicating myths and preconceptions about LGBTQIA+ people and families will advance tolerance and understanding in society. The importance of LGBTQIA+ people and couples in the lives of adopted children should be emphasized in these ads.

By addressing biases and fostering tolerance for various family configurations, the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ inclusive education in school curricula will contribute to the development of an inclusive and welcoming society from an early age.

Conclusion
The road to equitable adoption rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals in India is still open. A comprehensive legal framework that defends each person's rights and dignity must be developed, despite the fact that significant progress has been accomplished as a result of court judgements and legislative amendments. In order to preserve equality and inclusivity, a democratic nation must put an end to discriminatory practices and adopt a culture that promotes and protects the rights of all citizens.

Equal adoption rights are required if a society is to be inclusive and to treat its members with respect and fairness. There is still a long way to go until the LGBTQIA+ community is fully equal, despite the fact that their rights have been acknowledged. Regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, adoption is a fantastic way for anyone to create a loving and caring family; therefore, legislative adjustments are needed to enable this.

It is essential that India continue to advance equality, realizing that the greatest interests of the child are served by tolerating various family structures and eliminating discriminatory adoption laws. For the LGBTQIA+ community to have equal adoption rights, there needs to be a complete legal vision that addresses current issues, promotes non-discrimination, and ensures inclusivity throughout the adoption process.

The adoption of LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples can be encouraged by society if adoption laws are changed, heteronormative language is abandoned, and gender-neutral language is used. Initiatives to educate and create public awareness among social workers, adoption agencies, and the general public will also contribute to the development of a society that is inclusive and recognizes and celebrates the diversity of family configurations. By implementing these changes, the legal system may considerably aid in creating a more just and accepting society for all.

Bibliography:

• Rights of the Child: 25 years After the Adoption of the UN Convention (by Brian Milne 2015)
• Transgender Rights and politics: Groups, Issues Framing, and Policy Adoption (by Jami K. Taylor)
• Gay and Lesbian Parenting Choices (by Brette Sember)
• Lesbian and Gay Fostering and Adoption edited (by Stephen Hicks & Janet McDermott)
• Same Sex Intimacies: Families of Choice and Other Life Experiments (by Jeffrey Weeks)
• Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA)

Read more at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/parliament-panel-recommendation-on-adoption-raises-bigger-question-of-recognising-same-sex-union-experts/articleshow/93455670.cms

End-Notes:

1. LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual
2. Hindus are required to support their parents, whether they are elderly or disabled, and any children, whether they are biological or adopted, throughout their lifetime.
3. If minors between the ages of 16 and 18 commit serious crimes, enable them to be tried as adults.
4. The Supreme Court of India, which made all forms of adult consenting sex�including homosexual sex�legal.
5. The goal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) legislation, 2019, a legislation of the Indian Parliament, is to ensure the welfare and protection of transgender individuals.
6. To alter anything by including, removing, or replacing.
7. When a person's dignity is breached or when they are treated unfairly.
8. Protection of 6 rights concerning the freedom such as: Speech and expression, Assembly, Association, Movement, Residence, & Profession.
9. Protection with respect to conviction for offences.
10. Right to life and personal liberty.
11. Right to elementary education.
12. Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.
13. Particularly refers to a formal finding made against a legal claim or cause of action, and denotes a loss or injury.
14. Referring to or signifying a worldview that supports heterosexuality as the accepted or preferred sexual orientation.
15. Being attracted romantically or sexually to someone of the opposing sex.
16. A broad phrase that refers to the usage of non-sexist, gender-neutral, or inclusive language.
17. The process of raising awareness of something, especially a problem or negative aspect.
18. Covering completely or broadly.