NSW MPs pass adoption bill

AAP

NSW lower house MPs have voted in support of a bill to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

After two days of debate in the Legislative Assembly, 46 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 44 voted against it.

The bill, introduced by independent Sydney MP Clover Moore, would allow same-sex couples to adopt a child together.

Reintroducing the bill on Wednesday, Ms Moore included an amendment that gives church adoption agencies the right to refuse services to same-sex couples without breaching anti-discrimination laws.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Nationals leader Andrew Stoner had allowed the MPs a conscience vote on the contentious issue.

Ms Keneally and Mr O'Farrell both supported the bill, while Mr Stoner indicated he would not back it.

The bill will now go to the upper house, where it will again be debated. There was brief applause and a whoop from the floor as the result was called.

Ms Moore smiled and clapped her hands and was hugged and congratulated by several MPs as they filed out of the chamber.

Ms Keneally was one of the last to congratulate Ms Moore, giving her a kiss on the cheek.