Gay Toronto mayoral candidate a step closer to adopting a child

CBC News reports that openly gay politician – George Smitherman – is adopting a baby boy.

He and his husband Christopher Peloso’s attempt to adopt was approved in principle by the Toronto Children’s Aid Society.

“Christopher and I are very proud to share the news,” he said in a release.

“Despite our overwhelming joy at the prospect of being parents to a beautiful baby boy, we must ask for your complete co-operation in respecting our privacy and the important legal process that governs our potential adoption.”

Smitherman said it takes a minimum of six months for an adoption to be finalized. The adoption isn’t official until the new parents and child have gotten to know each other and authorities have determined the child’s needs are being met.

The couple was married in August 2007. They first met 13 years prior and started dating about two years before they exchanged wedding vows.

Smitherman served as the province’s deputy premier, health minister and energy minister before he stepped down in November to run for Toronto mayor. The election is scheduled for Oct. 25.