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11/12/2013
Gay Adoption Ban Removed
A ban on gay couples adopting in Northern Ireland has been removed.
The move brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. Previously, single homosexuals living in Northern Ireland could apply for adoption, but gay couples were unable to do so.
On June 27, the Court of Appeal upheld a claim by the NI Human Rights Commission that said the gay adoption ban was in breach of human rights legislation.
But DUP Health Minister Edwin Poots challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.
Judges ruled that the application had failed to argue that the issue was of public importance.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Following the Court of Appeal judgment in June 2013, unmarried couples (including same sex couples) and those in a civil partnership arrangement may apply to adopt. The final decision regarding the granting of an adoption order will lie with the court."
Minister Poots has also faced criticism recently for stating he is against allowing gay men to donate blood.
He said he was concerned with the safety of the blood with regards to sexual behaviour, not sexual orientation.
(IT/CD)
The move brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. Previously, single homosexuals living in Northern Ireland could apply for adoption, but gay couples were unable to do so.
On June 27, the Court of Appeal upheld a claim by the NI Human Rights Commission that said the gay adoption ban was in breach of human rights legislation.
But DUP Health Minister Edwin Poots challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.
Judges ruled that the application had failed to argue that the issue was of public importance.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Following the Court of Appeal judgment in June 2013, unmarried couples (including same sex couples) and those in a civil partnership arrangement may apply to adopt. The final decision regarding the granting of an adoption order will lie with the court."
Minister Poots has also faced criticism recently for stating he is against allowing gay men to donate blood.
He said he was concerned with the safety of the blood with regards to sexual behaviour, not sexual orientation.
(IT/CD)
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13 September 2013
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The National Union of Students (NUS) USI President Rebecca Hall has said that it is absolutely disgraceful that the Health Minister Edwin Poots is set to take his fight against the extension of adoption rights to gay and unmarried couples to the Supreme Court. Rebecca Hall said: "It is an absolute disgrace that the Minister is set to do this.
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The National Union of Students (NUS) USI President Rebecca Hall has said that it is absolutely disgraceful that the Health Minister Edwin Poots is set to take his fight against the extension of adoption rights to gay and unmarried couples to the Supreme Court. Rebecca Hall said: "It is an absolute disgrace that the Minister is set to do this.
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Court Ruling Paves Way For Gay Adoption
A decision by Northern Ireland's Court of Appeal has paved the way for same-sex couples to adopt children. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the issue was brought to the Court of Appeal after Health Minister Edwin Poots challenged a previous ruling by Belfast High Court that ruled the current adoption ban on same-sex couples was unlawful.
Court Ruling Paves Way For Gay Adoption
A decision by Northern Ireland's Court of Appeal has paved the way for same-sex couples to adopt children. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the issue was brought to the Court of Appeal after Health Minister Edwin Poots challenged a previous ruling by Belfast High Court that ruled the current adoption ban on same-sex couples was unlawful.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
