The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to allow same-sex couples to adopt, after accepting amendments made in the Upper House.

The bill was debated in the Lower House this afternoon and passed unopposed, with the Opposition given a free vote.

Labor accepted an amended version of the Adoption Amendment Bill which will give religious agencies the right to refuse adoption to gay couples, despite previously stating that equality was not negotiable.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the passing of the legislation, tweeting he “couldn’t be prouder”.