Elton John has experienced a setback in his efforts to adopt an HIV-positive youngster from Ukraine. According to a Sept. 14 article in the British newspaper The Sun, Ukranian officials have cited the singer's age and sexual orientation as reasons for denying the adoption:

Elton John faces a legal battle over his dream to adopt a Ukrainian tot -- because the country bans gay couples from doing so.

The superstar [age 62] and partner David Furnish, 46, are also deemed too old under national laws.

Their only hope would be a presidential dispensation to take home 14-month-old Lev - after 62-year-old Elton declared at the weekend: "He has stolen my heart."

It was also revealed that if Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko were to grant their wish the pair would have to adopt Lev's brother as well. He too is in care -- and Ukrainian law states siblings must be adopted together.

Labels: international, same-sex couples

Posted By: Aspen/CRC