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23/03/2012
'No Change' To Gay Adoption Laws
A current ban on gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland adopting will more than likely remain in place, it has been revealed.
Attorney General, John Larkin, QC, said adoption laws were to ensure child welfare rather than satisfy the wishes of would-be parents.
The news follows a legal challenge brought by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: they were attempting to pass legislation that would bring NI's adoption laws in line with the rest of the UK.
The body claims that the current laws which prevent these groups adopting are discriminatory and breach human rights.
But the attorney general has contended that the commission's case involved "cardinal errors" in interpretation of the law and its own role in the litigation.
The basis for adoption was also not properly understood, he claimed.
However good the commission's intentions were, he questioned its position in the case.
"Adopted children, in the clear submission of the department, are not services and the department will always refuse to consider children as services," he stressed.
He concluded: "What happens in Scotland, England and Wales does not constitute a line into which Northern Ireland must be brought"
(LB)
Attorney General, John Larkin, QC, said adoption laws were to ensure child welfare rather than satisfy the wishes of would-be parents.
The news follows a legal challenge brought by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: they were attempting to pass legislation that would bring NI's adoption laws in line with the rest of the UK.
The body claims that the current laws which prevent these groups adopting are discriminatory and breach human rights.
But the attorney general has contended that the commission's case involved "cardinal errors" in interpretation of the law and its own role in the litigation.
The basis for adoption was also not properly understood, he claimed.
However good the commission's intentions were, he questioned its position in the case.
"Adopted children, in the clear submission of the department, are not services and the department will always refuse to consider children as services," he stressed.
He concluded: "What happens in Scotland, England and Wales does not constitute a line into which Northern Ireland must be brought"
(LB)
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06 July 2006
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
04 July 2006
Gay adoption laws to be reviewed
Gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland will be able to adopt children under proposals to overhaul adoption legislation. The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
Gay adoption laws to be reviewed
Gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland will be able to adopt children under proposals to overhaul adoption legislation. The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
23 April 2014
Consultation Expected On Breastfeeding Law
A public consultation is to be held on a proposed new law giving mothers the right to breastfeed in public.
Consultation Expected On Breastfeeding Law
A public consultation is to be held on a proposed new law giving mothers the right to breastfeed in public.
14 October 2019
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
11 April 2003
Campaign launched to find potential adopters
The Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EH&SSB) recently launched a new campaign to find potential adopters for children currently in care. The Adoption – Share Life campaign aims to make people think again about adoption and recruit prospective parents.
Campaign launched to find potential adopters
The Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EH&SSB) recently launched a new campaign to find potential adopters for children currently in care. The Adoption – Share Life campaign aims to make people think again about adoption and recruit prospective parents.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
