A recent survey has shown that the majority of Belgians reject the planned proposal to legalise the adoption of children by homosexual couples, according to Belgium newspaper, "La Libre Belgique".

The survey found that 54% of Belgians were actually against the proposal in comparison to 46% that approved. The survey also revealed a north-south split over the issue, with northern Flanders actually coming out in favour of the move with 59% against southern state Wallonien’s mere 35% in favour.

The proposal is tolerated the most by the under-35 age category, with 61% giving their support.

The proposal was put forward by the Belgian government to change the law, allowing same-sex couples the same adoption rights as heterosexual couples. The proposal has, however, been met with numerous protests which might push the proposal off the agenda until after the return of parliament after the summer break.

Same-sex couples have been able to marry in Belgium legally since 2003. If the proposal is successful it will make Belgium the second European country after the Netherlands to legalise the adoption of children by homosexual couples.