Elton John could become Ukrainian baby Lev's 'guardian'

After being branded unsuitable to adopt by Ukrainian officials because of his age and sexuality, Elton John was given new hope yesterday that he could look after the baby boy who won his heart in a Ukrainian children's home.

After originally saying the pop star was barred from becoming little Lev's legal guardian, the authorities there have come up with a compromise.
The deal would allow Sir Elton to bring up the child in Britain with his partner David Furnish but also involve Lev's mother, who retains parental rights to him.

It was unveiled by Ukraine Families Minister Yuri Pavlenko who had previously refused to contemplate the 14-month-old boy's adoption because the 62-year-old pop star was too old and in a same-sex relationship.

Last night he said Sir Elton 'has the right and opportunity to invite the family of this boy to visit him, take them under his guardianship, and help him grow into a good person'.

His comments represent a change of heart in support of the singer who met Lev last Saturday and immediately expressed the desire to adopt him.
Under the scheme, the mother - who has not been named and is believed to be an HIV sufferer, would be encouraged to accept an invitation to visit Sir Elton in Britain with both of her two children.
A source in Kiev said: 'It would be entirely up to the mother if she agreed to this arrangement. It could allow her to stay involved in their upbringing under Elton's guidance.'
The deal would mean halting official legal moves which have begun to strip the mother of her parental rights, so making Lev - and his sibling - orphans.
It is likely to be controversial in Ukraine where there is strong opposition - led by the Orthodox and Catholic churches - to gay adoption or anything similar.
One churchman has already branded Sir Elton a 'sinner'.
A spokesman for Sir Elton declined to comment.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1214308/Elton-John-Levs-guardian.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0RSToZRSd