Adoption Options
The DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson is my guest for this weekend's Inside Politics. I use the programme to explore the role of his Assembly and Executive Review Committee which is meant to be examining possible changes to the number of MLAs and Stormont departments, as well as reporting back by the end of February on what preparations have been made for transferring justice powers to local politicians.
The Lagan Valley MP was one of the most vocal opponents of the Sexual Orientation Regulations. So I also question him about a judgement this week by the Lord Chief Justice refusing to over turn the law banning unmarried couples from adopting.
Since January the Health Department has had proposals ready to change the law to bring it into line with the rest of the UK. This would enable both unmarried and same sex couples to adopt. The consultation, conducted by the former Health Minister Paul Goggins, received thousands of objections from Christians opposed to gay couples adopting, but Mr Goggins' department rejected their objections.
The current Health Minister Michael McGimpsey is "aware that this is an issue on which there are varying views and will give it his full consideration before deciding how to proceed.鈥 Which means he knows it could be a tricky one. True to form, Jeffrey Donaldson tells me his party will vigorously oppose any change in the law along the lines supported by Mr Goggins.
Coming after Ian Jr.'s "repulsed" comments, will adoption be the next litmus test for the DUP's attitude towards gay people?
P.S. Just as I was about to begin my interview with Jeffrey D., I discovered a pair of shoes under the studio desk. I suspect they belong to a Mr Stephen Nolan. Is he spending the weekend padding around in his socks? I think we should be told.
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颁辞尘尘别苍迟蝉听听 Post your comment
Did he not swap them for trainers?