Oh, no!
As we reported earlier today, Elton John and his partner David Furnish were ready to begin the process of adopting Lev, a Ukrainian toddler.
But the Ukrainian government has very strict adoption rules and it appears that not even Sir Elton can break them!
John and Furnish have been united under a civil partnership in the UK since 2005, but Ukrainian law states that a couple must be legally married.
Additionally they ban gay couples from adopting and potential parents must not be 45 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
That’s 3 strikes against the couple!
There is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, however.
If Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko grants a presidential dispensation, they would be able to bring baby Lev home on the condition that they adopt his brother as well, who is also at the orphanage. We are unsure how likely this request would be granted, though.
This is a real shame. They would be able to provide Lev with a fantastic life!
[Image via AP Images.]