A judge today rejected Madonna’s request to adopt a second child from Malawi and said it would set a dangerous precedent to bend rules requiring that prospective parents live in the country for some period.

A judge and a lawyer said today that Madonna’s application to adopt a second child from Malawi has been rejected because of a requirement that prospective parents be resident in the country for 18 to 24 months.

A Malawian judge will rule today on Madonna’s request to adopt a second child from the impoverished southern African country amid criticism from activists who say the little girl would be best off with relatives.

Malawi’s child welfare minister today backed Madonna’s bid to adopt a second child from the impoverished southern African country.