Northern Ireland Health minister to challenge gay adoption ruling
Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced he will challenge a landmark ruling to overturn the ban that prevents gay couples in civil partnerships from adopting in the country.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, who initially brought the case, welcomed the decision.
However, according to the BBC, in a statement Edwin Poots said: “It is my intention to urgently appeal this judgment and I am taking this action with a heavy heart.
“I have already publicly declared my intention to reform Northern Ireland adoption law because reform is much needed and long overdue.
“This judicial review has already delayed plans to introduce a new Adoption and Children Bill in the [Northern Ireland] Assembly and I fear that this will lead to further delay.”
Mr Poots has been described as an “evangelical Protestant” who remains opposed to same-sex relationships. He also rejects the theory of evolution.
John O’Doherty, the director of Northern Ireland’s Rainbow Project, criticised Mr Poots’ decision to seek an appeal and accused the minister of allowing his “personal prejudices to influence his public responsibilities.”
England, Wales and Scotland changed the law in November 2011 and opted for a 1-year deferral, meaning gay and bisexual can donate providing they remain celibate for 12 months.
