Gay and lesbian couples in Nova Scotia win court ruling that gives them the right to adopt children and makes the province one of few that legally recognizes homosexual parents.

A provincial Supreme Court judge said the law preventing same-sex couples from adopting was unconstitutional and discriminated against unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The case was launched by a lesbian couple who already have children, but who argued that they were being discriminated against because the province prevented both from being recognized as parents.

The ruling means the children of unmarried common-law couples will now be able to register their relationships with both parents) inherit under the Intestate Succession Act and receive maintenance from both parents

Bill 75, permits all gay couples registered with the department of Vital Statistics some of the legal rights formerly reserved for married couples.

Under the new legislation there are now three classifications for relationships: common-law, registered domestic partners and married couples.

Common-law partners now include any two people living in a conjugal relationship for over two years. They are entitled to rights under income tax legislation and pension and insurance plans.