A trans-sexual who hit the headlines after getting married in a grand ceremony last year is in the news again for trying to adopt a child.

　　Zhang Shan (not her real name) has created a storm of controversy as to whether it is appropriate for her and her husband to bring up a child.

　　The 37-year-old, who had a sex change a year ago saying she was living a lie as a man, has filed an application in Lin'an, in Zhejiang Province.

　　China's law says couples may adopt children if they are aged 30 or above, are healthy and do not have a history of disease within their family, have "parental ability" and no other child.

　　Zhang Shan, who works as a maid at a beauty parlour in Lin'an, meets all the criteria. Her family has an income of 2,500 yuan (US$ 300) a month.

　　But there is currently no law that clearly states whether it is legal for trans-sexual people to adopt children.