BRUSSELS, Dec. 2 (Xinhuanet) - The Belgian Parliament on Friday approved legislation granting gay couples the right to adopt children.

    The vote followed a tense debate in the Parliament. However, the final tally of 77 votes for and 62 opposed (with seven abstentions) was a bigger majority than expected.

    The legislation has not been officially passed, but will now head to the Senate for further debate.

    In the meantime, the gay and lesbian lobby group Holebifederatie was exceptionally pleased with the passing of the legislation.

    "A lot of gay couples wanting children are now very pleased," the group's spokeswoman Mieke Stessens said.

    Stessens also said his organization will continue lobbying to ensure the legislation is not delayed in the Senate. Enditem