A bill that would allow same-sex couples to adopt children was passed Thursday by the lower house of parliament in New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state.

According to The Australian, the bill passed with a close vote. It will allow same-sex couples to adopt a child together, as they can in the Australian Capital Territory and in Western Australia.

“Forty-six MPs voted for the historic bill and 44 voted against it yesterday, after a two-day debate,” reported The Australian on Thursday.

In an effort to make sure the bill passed, Sydney MP Clover Moore, who introduced it, included an amendment to allow religious adoption agencies to refuse service to same-sex couples without violating antidiscrimination laws.

Follow SheWired on Twitter!

Follow SheWired on Facebook!