A Parliamentary Inquiry has recommended that New South Wales law be changed to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

Under existing laws individual lesbians and gay men are allowed to adopt, but parental rights are not extended to both partners in a relationship.

While gay rights activists have welcomed the proposals, conservative groups have criticised the changes arguing that it violates the human rights of children.

The report also contained important exemptions designed to ensure faith-based groups did not withdraw from the adoption system.

2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke to Emily Grey from the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.