Cyprus MPs discuss bill to modernise adoption law and strengthen safeguards for children

Nicosia, Cyprus. A bill modernising Cyprus’ legislative framework for adoptions was discussed on Wednesday at the House legal affairs committee, with MPs saying the law should safeguard children’s interests.

Proposed safeguards and eligibility rules

Disy MP Fotini Tsirides said Cyprus’ legislation did not currently fully protect children’s interests, and that the new law, if passed, would forbid mothers directly agreeing an adoption with a couple and give the state the authority to decide on suitable families. Tsirides added that people with disabilities would also be able to adopt children based on strict preconditions securing the child’s interests.

Concerns raised by Elam

Elam MP Soteris Ioannou said every child should grow up with a mother and father “in a natural and proper environment”. He said the bill left things open for the adoption of children by homosexual couples and stated that his party would oppose any such clause. He also questioned what would happen if a person who has adopted a child changes gender afterwards.

Recognition of foreign adoption decrees

Ioannou also opposed the clause providing for the automatic recognition of an adoption decree issued in the child’s country of origin. “We are against these practices,” he said, and called on all political parties to take a clear stance.

What position do you think political parties should take on the proposed adoption bill?