Readers Alexis Heng inquired about the procedures that same-sex couples had to go through in order to adopt a child and acquire Singapore citizenship for him or her.
He also asked if the child was eligible for the infant bonus.
Social affairs correspondent Janice Tai contacts government agencies.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development has no comment on whether a same-sex partner is able to adopt a child and whether there is a historical precedent for same-sex couples to do so.
However, the Department indicated that all potential adopters would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Factors to be considered include the situation of children and applicants, the child’s ability to raise children, parenting beliefs, family circumstances, support networks and the ability to meet children’s needs.
The best interests of the child are the primary consideration in assessing the application and matching the child to the list of potential potential recipients.
Application and citizenship are separate processes with different requirements.
Adoption does not mean that a child can be a Singapore citizen even if a same-sex partner has successfully adopted a child.
Each application for Singapore citizenship is assessed on the basis of a set of criteria for its own merits.
Children who are Singapore citizens and whose parents are married are eligible for the infant bonus benefit.
Singapore does not recognize same-sex marriage.
For children who are not citizens and adopted by a married couple, these benefits may vary depending on the age at which the child becomes a Singapore citizen.
This article was first published on February 6, 2017.
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