Gay couples may not have the right to adopt until after the referendum on same-sex marriage.

That is despite being granted that right under the Children and Family Relationships Bill, which was signed into law last week.

Opposition Senators tabled over 100 amendments, but the bill passed the Seanad by 20 votes to 2.

The law gives same-sex couples the right to be considered for adoption, but only when the government is capable of offering it.

No date is set for the laws to kick in, meaning it may not have take effect before the referendum on May 22nd.