First gay couple adopt child in Germany

Two men in Berlin have become the first gay couple to adopt a child in Germany, just nine days after same-sex marriage became legal.

Michael and Kai Korok's bid to adopt a child was approved on Tuesday by a court in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, according to the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany.

The couple were married on October 2, one day after gay marriage became legal in Germany, giving same-sex couples the same tax advantages and adoption rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

The Koroks have been foster parents to Maximilian since he was born. They will now become his legal guardians.

Germany has allowed registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 2001, but these did give them the same status as marriage.

The German parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour introducing marriage equality in June.