What discussions Scottish ministers have had with UK ministers regarding the impact of the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 20…

Following the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 coming into force, the UK Government commissioned an independent review into their impact on faith-based adoption agencies. This assessment took place during the transitional period given to faith-based adoption agencies. The assessment reports to an Inter-Ministerial Reference Group which considers the report; Scottish ministers are represented on this group.
The assessment considers the impact that the provisions of the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 have on faith-based adoption agencies. During the discussions at these meetings Scottish ministers have made clear the feelings expressed by the Scottish Parliament during the passage of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, that it is right and proper that same sex couples are entitled to be considered for adoption, but equally, faith-based adoption agencies should be able to continue their valuable work.