Henry Brookman, principal partner of Brookman Solicitors, the family law firm that made news headlines earlier this year when they came out in favour of gay marriages, has given his backing to the controversial plans to allow gay couples to adopt children.

In a free vote on Thursday, MPs voted in favour on an amendment to the Adoption and Children Bill by a majority of 155 to allow both heterosexual and gay couples to adopt.

The move faces fierce opposition in the House of Commons on Monday, when an amendment to specifically exclude gay people from the arrangement will be voted on. It is expected the House of Lords will also be opposed to the move but Thursday's vote is a positive move towards lifting the ban on adoption by heterosexual and same sex couples.

Brookman believes that children do not belong in care and above all need a loving family, irrespective of the parents' marital status or sexual orientation. "There is nothing wrong with gay couples adopting children. It has been proved that the sexual orientation of parents makes no difference to a child's upbringing."

"I have personally acted for both same sex couples and children who have grown up in these families. I have no hesitation in saying these children have no difficulty with their gender or sexuality in later life, most going on to marry and have a family of their own."

Those opposed to the amendment hold the view that parents should be a married, heterosexual couple before being allowed to adopt, believing the legal responsibilities that come with a marriage provide "stability" and "security" for the child.

Brookman disagrees, "Families come in all shapes and sizes. The important thing is love and stability for the child - people prepared to adopt are obviously committed to the upbringing of a child. Research has shown children fare much better when adopted by unmarried, including same sex couples, than when brought up in care."