Elton John Barred from Adopting Ukrainian Toddler

Posted on Sep 14th 2009 11:30AM by John D. Luerssen
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Just like Madonna before him, the Rocket Man wants to adopt. Extravagant rocker Elton John toured a Ukrainian orphanage Saturday, where he met an adorable toddler named Lev who he quickly fell in love with.

After visiting the orphanage, where many of the children's parents have succumbed to AIDS, Sir Elton told reporters that his partner, David Furnish, "always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the traveling I do and the life I have maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child."

"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him," John explained, acknowledging the bureaucratic hurdles in doing so. "I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I've changed my mind today."

John -- who was visiting the as part of one of his Elton John AIDS Foundation initiatives -- says that the recent death of his good friend, Guy Babylon, inspired him to consider parenting. "[Guy] was such a genius and so young and has two wonderful children," Elton said. "What better opportunity to replace someone I lost than to replace him with someone I can give a future to."

"I don't know what the procedure is to adopt a boy from the Ukraine. I don't think I can because England doesn't have a treaty with the Uktraine," John admitted, but explained that Furnish is a Canadian, which may provide an opportunity for adoption.

UPDATE: PopEater reports that John will not be able to adopt Lev. The Ukraine doesn't allow adoptions to unmarried couples -- same-sex marriages aren't allowed there -- and the age different cannot be more than 45 years between the parent-to-be and child.