Question reference: S2W-31505
- Asked by: James Douglas-Hamilton, MSP for Lothians, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 30 January 2007
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Current status: Answered by Robert Brown on 7 February 2007
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of reports that the UK Government will implement legislation requiring Roman Catholic adoption agencies to handle applications from same-sex couples, whether it will implement the terms of the equalities legislation or raise the issue with the UK Government so that matters involving religious conscience will be taken into account.
Answer
The Prime Minister’s announcementof 29 January 2007 indicated an intention by the UK Government to bringforward regulations on discrimination in provision of goods and services under powersin section 81 of the Equality Act 2006, which would be applied in the case of existingadoption agencies from the end of 2008. These powers relate to a matter reservedunder the Scotland Act 1998 and enable such regulations to apply in England, Scotlandand Wales. As the Prime Minister’s announcement made clear, he took account of representationsmade personally to him by the First Minister on the issue. During the transitionalperiod up to the end of 2008 the Scottish Executive will continue to keep in closecontact with the agencies concerned, the Catholic Church and the UK Government toseek to ensure that the agencies’ valuable work continues.