LGBT people thinking about adoption urged to take part in webcast

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The Government Equalities Office is urging prospective adoptive parents from the LGBT community to take part in a live webcast.

On Wednesday 28 January from 6.30pm the First4Adoption website will be hosting the first in a series of “Meet the Adopter” online events.

Tor Docherty, a mother of three and Rupert Smith, a father of one, will both be sharing their insights of the adoption process.

Figures last year showed the national average rate of children adopted by same-sex couples is around one in 15.

The government has said it is committed to increasing the number and of reforming the adoption system.

In August last year Prime Minister David Cameron said “prejudice” should not stop gay couples getting in the way of adopting children.

He said: “When there are children in need of a loving family, and gay couples with so much love to give, we should not allow prejudice to stand in the way of progress for our children or for our wider society.

“That sends a powerful message about who we are as a country in the modern world.”

Northern Ireland lifted its ban on gay couples in adopting children in December 2013.

To take part in the webcast click here