QUEBEC: A polyamorous trio of men has been granted the legal adoption of a three-year-old girl in Quebec, Canada, in what is being described as a historic first for the province.
The men, who identify as a throuple, underwent months of assessments, including a comprehensive home study, before their adoption request was approved by Quebec’s child protection services and later validated by the court.
According to Visegrad24, the case marks the very first time that three men in a polyamorous relationship have been formally recognised as the parents of a child in Quebec.
At present, two of the men have been officially documented as the child’s legal parents, while the third is still in the process of securing full parental recognition.
His application is being considered under Quebec’s updated family laws, which now allow for more than two people to be legally recognised as parents of a child.
This development was made possible after the Quebec Superior Court ruling in April 2025, which declared that limiting parenthood to just one or two people violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The ruling compelled the provincial government to update the Civil Code, effectively opening the door for multi-parent families to gain legal recognition.
Under the new law, children can now enjoy the rights and protections that come with having more than two legally responsible parents.
Advocates for family law reform say the changes better reflect the diverse family structures that already exist in society.
However, the adoption has sparked heated reactions both in Canada and internationally. Supporters argue that what matters most is the ability of the adults to provide love, stability, and care for the child, regardless of their relationship structure.
On the other hand, critics have expressed concern over the psychological impact and the kind of upbringing the three-year-old might have while being raised by three fathers in a non-traditional family setting.
Some commentators online also questioned whether the move prioritised the rights of adults over the best interests of the child.
Despite the mixed views, the trio is celebrating the milestone and say they are committed to raising their daughter in a home full of love and stability.
The case is expected to set a strong precedent for other polyamorous families in Canada seeking legal recognition.
This story comes at a time when conversations about marriage, family, and parental rights are rapidly evolving in different parts of the world. Quebec’s bold step could inspire similar legal challenges and reforms in other provinces and countries.
