PORTLAND — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court today ruled in favor of two Portland women who have fought for the past six years to adopt two siblings, now aged 10 and 6.

Supreme court justices unanimously struck down a previous ruling by the Cumberland County Probate Court, which did not allow Ann Courtney and Marilyn Kirby to jointly adopt the children.

The decision sends the case back to the Probate Court, with a detailed opinion from the justices that opens the door for the joint adoption.

The decision was hailed as a victory for same-sex couples seeking adoption and other rights, according to the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. An attorney with that group, Mary Bonauto, handled the appeal.

Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in 12 states, including Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts.

“We’re ecstatic,” Ann Courtney said in a written statement. “We love these kids, and their well-being means everything to us. Our daughter and son can now know that we are a family, and we’ll always be a family.”

"Today's ruling marks the first time in Maine history that a same-sex couple can jointly adopt a child," Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine, said in a written statement. "Until now, only a married couple or an unmarried person has been able to petition to adopt a child. This ruling is very welcome news to those of us raising children with whom we are unable to establish legal relationships."