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[Article] Scotland to update adoption laws; gay couples to benefit

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  • 15-04-2004 8:10am
    #1
    yellum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭


    http://uk.gay.com/headlines/6107

    Scotland to update adoption laws; gay couples to benefit
    Ben Townley, Gay.com UK
    Wednesday 14 April, 2004

    Scotland is likely to overhaul its adoption laws, according to press reports, with same-sex couples being given the right to adopt together for the first time.

    The country currently has record numbers of children in foster care needing long-term homes, but has been criticised for its lengthy and deterring adoptions laws.

    Although lesbian and gay people are allowed to adopt children, they cannot do it as a couple or register their child with both parents.

    It is thought the update is to bring Scotland in line with the rest of the mainland UK, where adoption by same-sex couples was made legal in 2003.

    The anticipated change is expected to be a knock on effect of a new study from Sheriff Graham Cox, who was appointed to assess the status of the country's adoption system and suggest changes.

    He is expected to give the study to the Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, Scotland on Sunday reported over the Easter weekend, who will oversee the changes.

    The reports were welcomed by Cathy Dewar, chief executive of the Scottish Adoption Association.

    "Unmarried couples and same sex couples should be able to adopt," the newspaper quotes her as saying.

    "Society changes. There is quite a lot of drift and delay in the system which means that children who are available for adoption are not dealt with sooner because of such complications."

    The changes would also allow heterosexual unmarried couples together.


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