§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his intention to extend the right of adoption to(a) unmarried opposite sex couples and (b) same sex couples; and if he will make a statement. [19224]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 29 November 2001]: We are looking thoroughly at the many and complex issues of partnership registration, rights and responsibilities. Adoption will, alongside all other relevant issues, be considered as part of that work.
Under the existing Adoption Act 1976 single people may adopt (regardless of sexual orientation), but only married couples may adopt jointly. It is open for one unmarried partner to adopt a child and for the other to obtain parental responsibility by applying for a residence order in respect of the child. The Adoption and Children 752W Bill makes no change in this area. The Government's intentions will, of course, be subject to the parliamentary consideration of the Bill currently under way.